The bishop spoke suddenly.
"We have men hiding inside the city. Could we use them to strike from the rear? Break the boulders and open the way. I am tired of waiting outside these walls, and the city itself is exhausted by the Spanish army. This is the perfect moment to take it."
Giuseppe's eyes trembled for an instant, though his voice remained calm.
"But, sir… attacking a cornered rabbit is more dangerous than waiting for it to die from blood loss."
The bishop shook his head.
"We want to control a city, not inherit a ghost town. How many souls have been lost since the Spanish army arrived? And you expect me to ignore them—to allow more lives to be lost while we wait? Make a plan. A real one. I want to sleep inside the city tonight."
Giuseppe's jaw tightened.Perhaps being clever with the bishop had not been wise. Now he needed a better answer.
"Very well, sir," he said. "I will make sure the city is taken today. Allow me to prepare… a different plan."
