Daughters of the Silk Road: A beautiful and epic novel of family, love and the secrets of a Ming Vase by Debbie Rix Page A

was just one year older than Maria. From the start Maria liked her and the pair began to form a close bond. The household was completed by the presence of a young man called Andrea, who brought in wood for the fires, served at table, and helped with the heavier jobs. Several weeks went by and they settled into a happy routine, exploring the city with their father, studying each day, and were able to start the long process of grieving for their lost mother, brother and sister. The goods Niccolò had brought with him from the East were installed in the customs warehouse in Punta, opposite San Marco. Here they would stay while the value was assessed and duty could be applied and paid. Only then could the porcelain, spices and silk be sold on. The vase, casket, paintings and desk that had been given to him by the Admiral as a gift for the Doge were safely installed in Niccolò’s study. He would have to deliver them soon, but there was important business to be dealt with first.
    Niccolò’s apostasy – his conversion to Islam – had reached the ears of Pope Eugenius IV. He summoned dei Conti to Florence, where he was to meet one of the Pope’s senior advisors.
    ‘Oh Papa, what will happen to you? Please do not leave us here alone. We’ve been so happy here together.’
    ‘And will be so again. Besides, you will not be alone, Maria. The servants will be with you.’
    ‘But I am fearful… We have lost Mamma and now you must go too.’
    ‘I am only travelling to Florence, my dear child. I will be a way a few weeks – two months at most. By the time I return, I shall be able to sell our goods and we can truly begin our new life here in Venice.’
    ‘But why must you go? Is the Pope angry with you? He might put you in gaol...’
    Dei Conti could see how fearful his children were. Their experience in Egypt had left its mark. ‘My darlings, the Pope has written to me and asked that, in penance for adopting the Muslim faith, I meet with his secretary, Poggio Bracciolini. He is a great scholar and man of learning, and the Holy Father himself has asked that I tell him all that I can of our travels. He wishes to record it and to publish it to the world. Bracciolini believes that my knowledge will help others who come after me to understand the lands of India and the East. I have told you, have I not, of the travels of the great Marco Polo, who also came from Venice?’
    The children nodded.
    ‘Well, this great scholar, Bracciolini, is keen that I provide new information and help to create new maps of the world where we have been, for up until now we have relied on maps and accounts made by the great Marco. But they are two hundred years old. It is a huge honour for me to be asked to do this thing. Trust me my darlings, all will be well. I shall tell this man all that I know and then I shall be allowed once again into the faith of my birth. I shall soon return and we shall live happily here. You will see.’
    Three days later, dei Conti set off on horseback, accompanied by two servants. Before he left, he held Maria and Daniele to him.
    ‘Maria, I expect you to take care of Daniele for me.’
    ‘I do not need looking after,’ Daniele exploded indignantly.
    ‘Well then, I expect you to care for your sister,’ said Niccolò magnanimously. ‘Continue with your studies – I have arranged for a tutor to come in each day – and Maria, you will manage the servants for me. ’
    ‘I will, Papa. Oh, but I do so wish I could come with you.’
    ‘No, you will be safer here. You have the vase with you, remember? Keep it safe for me.’
    Maria nodded. ‘Perhaps you should take it with you, Papa?’
    ‘No, I leave it here to protect the two people I love more than life itself,’ said Niccolò. ‘Work hard, take care of the house and continue your discovery of Venice. You could live here your whole life and never see everything. Try to walk a little each day and explore.’
    ‘You will write to us, Papa?’
    ‘Of