not only as cities independent from di Chimici rule but also as coastal cities. With an impending threat of invasion from the Gate people by sea and the di Chimici army by land, Germano is left in a difficult position and wants to protect Talia and his city from impending destruction. However, despite the chaos around him, he continues to help others, such as Filippo Nucci and Andrea, to find their place in the world. FortezzaLaura ReidThe protagonist of City of Swords, initially introduced in City of Ships as a close friend of Isabel Evans and Ayesha. Deeply unhappy and stressed, and she has secretly resorted to self-harming to cope. After obtaining a silver paper knife from Mr. Goldsmith's shop, she is confronted by Isabel, Ayesha, Matt, and Sky, who all suspect that she will be the next Stravagante to Talia. Soon after stravagating to Fortezza, she falls in love with Ludo Vivoide, whose claim to the Fortezzan crown forces Laura to become his enemy when the Stravaganti elect to support Princess Lucia.Fabio della Spada A swordsmith from Fortezza and its Stravagante, who becomes Laura's mentor. However, with the city embroiled in a civil war and besieged by the di Chimici family attempting to restore Princess Lucia's rule over the city, Fabio soon finds himself preoccupied with forging weapons for the rebel army.Ludovico Vivoide A cousin of Aurelio and Raffaella Vivoide, Ludovico (Ludo) is only half-Manoush; unlike most Manoush, who have dark hair, Ludo stands out with his red hair, which is a result of his mixed heritage. His father is supposedly a di Chimici, though he does not know who. His arrival in Padavia comes at the most inconvenient time, when the Governor has banned the occult, including the practices of the Manoush. He rejoins his cousins in Classe, perceptively observing that Isabel is more than she appears. In City of Swords, he challenges Lucia's claim for the crown of Fortezza, revealing himself as the illegitimate son of Prince Jacopo. However, when his claim is rejected by the governing council, he joins the faction opposed to a woman ruling Fortezza and besiege the Princess and her supporters.Lucia di Chimici The elder daughter of Jacopo the Elder, the Prince of Fortezza. In City of Flowers, she marries her distant cousin and Duke Niccolo's second son, Carlo, but is widowed during the massacre that follows the di Chimici weddings. She returns