Chapter 38 (Chapter 36) Summary: Cotton Malone Rides the Palio
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Cotton Malone finds himself in central Tuscany on a horse farm with Cardinal Stamm (Richter) and Camilla Baines, the capitano of the Golden Oak contrada. Camilla has been described as an opportunist, and she wastes no time stating her problem. Her contracted jockey for the upcoming Palio has betrayed her: he accepted Golden Oak's money to stop the Porcupines but then secretly made a deal with them to do the opposite. Now she needs a new jockey who cannot be bribed—someone whose loyalty she can guarantee. She proposes that Cotton ride for her, despite his having no bareback experience. Because Cotton is not a Sienese jockey, he can break Palio rules (which forbid jockeys from hitting or attacking each other) without worrying about a lifetime ban. In return for Cotton's service, Camilla will use her relationship with the Carthusians—she donates generously and owns the land surrounding their monastery—to secure Cotton and Cardinal Stamm access to the monastery's vaults. Cotton, after confirming that no money is involved, accepts the dangerous mission.
Key Events
- Camilla Baines reveals that her jockey double-crossed her by making a separate pact with the Porcupines.
- She threatens the faithless jockey with severe physical punishment (medical bills).
- Camilla proposes Cotton ride in the Palio, emphasizing that the penalty of disqualification means nothing to an outsider like him.
- Cardinal Stamm negotiates the exchange: Cotton's sabotage for access to the Carthusian monastery.
- Cotton agrees to ride, despite the risks and his lack of bareback training.
Character Development
- Cotton Malone shows pragmatism and willingness to take physical risks when the goal matters. He also reflects on his mother's lessons about keeping quiet and listening.
- Cardinal Stamm (Richter) continues to act as a strategist, negotiating leverage for their quest. He trusts Camilla's judgment because she trusted his instincts earlier.
- Camilla Baines reveals herself as a ruthless, results-driven leader. She is willing to sacrifice a jockey's health and break Palio norms to achieve victory. Her single-minded focus on the Porcupines and her connections with the Carthusians make her a powerful ally.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Deceit and Double Dealing: The Palio is a race built not only on speed but on alliances and betrayals. Camilla's jockey exemplifies how easily a competitor can be turned.
- Exploitation of Rules: The chapter highlights how formal rules (no jockey-on-jockey attacks) can be circumvented by outsiders. Cotton's exemption from Sienese consequences makes him a tool for sabotage.
- Quid Pro Quo: Every favor comes with a price. Camilla's help with the monastery is contingent on Cotton's willingness to break the rules for her.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter propels the main plot forward by offering the key that Cotton and Stamm need—access to the Carthusian monastery. At the same time, it introduces a high-stakes subplot: Cotton must ride in the Palio, a historically accurate and dangerous race. The arrangement forces Cotton into a morally gray situation and sets up an action sequence that will test his physical limits and his ability to manipulate the race's outcome.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Camilla Baines want an outsider like Cotton to ride in the Palio rather than a more experienced jockey?
She has been betrayed by her contracted jockey, who took money from both sides. She needs someone who cannot be bribed because Cotton's only reward—access to the monastery—depends entirely on her cooperation. Moreover, as an outsider, Cotton can break Palio rules without fear of a lifetime ban, making him the ideal tool for sabotage. -
What does Camilla’s threat about the jockey’s medical bills reveal about her character?
It underscores her ruthlessness and pragmatic approach. She is willing to physically harm the betrayer without hesitation, indicating that she leads through both charm and fear. Her business-like tone shows that violence is just another tool in her arsenal as capitano. -
How does Cotton’s acceptance of the Palio ride complicate his search for information at the monastery?
By agreeing to ride, Cotton trades a straightforward diplomatic approach (using Camilla’s influence) for a violent, illegal act. If he is caught or injured, his mission with Stamm could be jeopardized. The deal also ties his success to the outcome of a race, introducing uncertainty and physical danger into a plan that previously relied on stealth and persuasion.