October 11, Ancona, on Italy's eastern coast.
An enormous fleet lay anchored outside the harbor, entering in an orderly procession to unload men and supplies.
This shipment carried only Jagiellon's army. Because its proportion of cavalry was too high, the horses took up a great deal of space, leaving its numbers far below those of the previous three contingents: only four thousand infantry and three thousand cavalry.
Moreover, landing the horses was a cumbersome process. Most of yesterday had been spent unloading them, delaying the unloading of supplies and men until today.
Setting foot on Italian soil for the first time, Władysław toured the city with curiosity, lavishing praise on its Triumphal Arch, city hall, churches, and other facilities.
In Poland, its size would have placed it third, behind only Gdansk and the Royal Capital, Kraków.
Yet a local councilor claimed that Ancona was merely a medium-sized city and did not rank among Italy's top ten.
"I know the Mediterranean region is wealthier than other places and has a better climate, which is why France, the Germans, and Greece so often fight over Italy. But rest assured, I am different from those monarchs."
After his tour, Władysław found Thomas and the Greece officer and asked, "Any news from Rome?"
Seeing Thomas shake his head, Władysław made his decision. "The horses came ashore yesterday and still haven't recovered their strength. We'll stay another day and leave to reinforce Rome tomorrow."
Thomas urged the king to remain in the north to resist the army approaching from Florence. The latter firmly objected. "I've spent two years toiling away. Am I supposed to miss the most crucial stage? I'm going to Rome. Once we defeat the French Army's main force, their troops in the north will naturally retreat!"
Thomas had served as an envoy