Mafia The Old Country - II - PALIO

II - PALIO

[Some time passes. Enzo loads crates of wine onto a cart together with Luca.]

LUCA: Hey, we still have work to do.

ENZO: Where are they going?

LUCA: There's a festa in San Celeste, happens every year. The main event's a cavalcata, a big horse race. Each town sends riders, it can get pretty heated. Have you ever been to anything like that?

ENZO: Never been to San Celeste. I know about the race though. I heard that the Collezolfo riders always win.

LUCA: The Spadaro team? (spits) Fitusi... If we make all our deliveries, you will see how much bullshit that is.

[They finish loading.]

LUCA: Alright, we're all set. You ready to learn a little about business? Give me a moment and we'll get on the road. Some of Don Galante associates will be by later with a delivery. Don't fall asleep in the sun.

[Enzo mounts a horse.]

ANGELO: As is I would.

LUCA: Andiamo. Let's get going!

OLD DRIVER: What?

[They ride along a dusty, sun-drenched road. To pass the time, they talk.]

LUCA I said, let's get going! Old man on the cart got a head like a sponge these days. He doesn't hear so well anymore. Loyal though, was here long before me. Eighty years old and still delivering Torrisi wine across the valley.

ENZO: The Don looks after him then?

LUCA: Don Torrisi takes care of everyone around here, Enzo. Watch and learn today.

ENZO: How long have you worked for Don Torrisi?

LUCA: Twenty years or thereabouts. I lose track.

ENZO: What brought you here?

LUCA: Well... my father farmed cattle up in the hills. Bandits, they came one night. Shot him dead. The Don... he helped me after that.

ENZO: I am sorry.

LUCA: You decided to stick around then? I wasn't sure you'd last.

ENZO: What do you mean?

LUCA: I figured you for heading to America. To make your fortune, like so many others.

ENZO: Everything I want is here.

LUCA: Oh? And what is it you want?

ENZO: To live how I choose.

LUCA: You are a hard worker, Enzo. A dependable pair of hands. That'll see you go far. Weather is perfect it should be a good race.

ENZO: The Collezolfo riders, I used to see them train. Always wondered why. They'll be hard to beat.

LUCA: Ach... We've got Arnaldo. He's won before, and he can win again.

ENZO: He's that good?

LUCA: The boy has God given talent. It'd take the devil's work to stop him from are winning today. First time in San Celeste then?

ENZO: On Sundays, they take us to boys by part to mass, in Collezolfo. That's the furthest I got from the mine.

LUCA: Well, you'll get to see the town today. Don Torrisi has dealings with many of the people there.

ENZO: Like delivering wine?

LUCA: Sure, wine amongst other things.

ENZO: Such as?

LUCA: Be careful with these questions, Enzo. The Don is in the business of favors. He helps those who have nobody to turn to who have something worth protecting. These people then respond with that gratitude and respect. His name carries weight around here.

ENZO: Seems like everyone is going to watch the race.

LUCA: It's a big deal for the people of this valley. The palio is a day of rest, of celebration.

ENZO: Not for us.

LUCA: For us, business comes fist. Always.

ENZO: I didn't mean to-

LUCA: Relax. I know. I'm just telling you that this is what separates us from the workers in the fields. Before we get into town, we have a delivery to make. The building ahead. Pull up! Over there!

OLD DRIVER: What?!

LUCA: Stop here!

OLD DRIVER: Yes, yes! I'm not deaf!!

LUCA: Malirittu...

ENZO: Who's the delivery for?

LUCA: Pasquale. Friend of the family, helps fix up machines, engines, whatever we send his way. And, well, he can get his hands on things you can't find elsewhere. Enzo, grab that crate on top would you?

[Enzo takes a crate of wine from the cart. Luca also takes a crate, and they walk towards the villa.]

LUCA: You head on! To San Celeste! And let's pray to God he makes it there in one piece. Enzo, follow me. Ah, here's our man.

[Pasquale is tinkering under the hood of a car. The sound of a ratchet wrench is heard. Seeing the guests, Pasquale gets distracted and hits his head on the hood.]

LUCA: *short sharp whistle*

PASQUALE: Strùnzu...

LUCA: Hey, Pasquale!

PASQUALE: Luca.

LUCA: Busy as always, I see, eh? Enzo, over on the table. How's your mother?

PASQUALE: Same as ever. She never gives me a minute. But I sense this isn't a social call. So...

LUCA: Fifty brass watches, from our friends in Acireale. They're yours, if Enzo here can take enough to buy a decent blade.

PASQUALE: I can do that. Is he the kid who marked Bastoni's face?

LUCA: That's him.

PASQUALE: Does he know he's fucked?

LUCA: He knows Il Merlo better than most I think. Enzo, take a look inside the crate.

[Enzo opens a crate of wine and finds more than just wine inside.]

LUCA: Go ahead, Enzo.

PASQUALE: Head downstairs. My mamma will fix you up, just watch what you say around her.

LUCA: So I take it you won!! be joining us at the palio?

PASQUALE: Apologies to the Don, but Cesare and the boys, they came round last night with a bottle of American whiskey. My head, it's still a little sore.

LUCA: I'll make your excuses.

PASQUALE: God only knows where he ended up. He left me at midnight to find some cunnu.

[Enzo meanwhile enters the basement where the workshop is located.]

ENZO: Buongiorno, signora, I'm looking for a knife.

BENEDETTA: Table, over there.

[Enzo approaches closer and sees strange metal symbols lying on the workbench.]

BENEDETTA: That is a trinacria, an ancient symbol of our land. They hold a special value. If you ever find one, bring it to me, yes? I'll pay good money for any that you discover.

THE SICILIAN TRINACRIA
ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES IN THE VALLE DORATA, SICILY
Excavations across the Valle Dorata have uncovered numerous round tablets bearing the Trinacria symbol, closely linked to the ancient Greek settlement in the region. These tablets, particularly abundant near the Temple of Aphrodite, are believed to have been ceremonial offerings to the goddess of love and fertility.
The Trinacria — three bent legs radiating from a central Medusa head—symbolized Sicily's triangular shape and its three capes: Peloro, Passero, and Lilibeo. To the Greeks, it signified motion, unity, and protection, with Medusa warding off evil.
Interestingly, many of these tablets were repurposed over the centuries, incorporated into walls and buildings in later Roman and medieval periods. They remain a common find in ruins, attesting to their durable craftsmanship and the enduring legacy of Sicily’s ancient past.

[Enzo inspects the basement, lit by the light of a few dim burners. Various items for sale, as well as weapons, lie on different tables.]

BENEDETTA: Do they look like knives to you?

[Enzo sees a raccoon stuffed animal holding a tray.]

ENZO: What's this?

BENEDETTA: What does it look like? Cleared it out from a widower's villa. Amazing what those with more money than sense have in their homes.

[Enzo chooses a knife for himself from three options.]

ENZO: I'll take this one. Grazie, signora.

BENEDETTA: Don't cut yourself on the sharp end.

[Enzo goes outside and plays with the knife.]

LUCA: Feel the weight, get used to it. Knowing that blade could save your life.

ENZO: I've won a knife fight before.

LUCA: You survived a knife fight. You want to get through another, you'd do well to learn the old ways.

ENZO: But you told me to keep out of trouble.

LUCA: You don't look for it. But trouble has a way of finding people like us.

[He picks up a lying broken saber, of which only the hilt remains.]

LUCA: When that happens, you stand your ground. Never shrink back. Whatever they start, you finish. They come for you, for the people you care about, you put them down. U capisti? Now, let me show you a thing or two.

ENZO: With that?

LUCA: Come on. First, let me see your swing. Try to land a hit on me. Good! Again. Concentrate. That's it! Show me what you know, Enzo.

[The training ends.]

LUCA: Good, so you can handle the basics. Now you need to learn when to back off. When to let your attacker slip up. I'm going to attack. You need to wait for the right moment, then parry. Then, you press your advantage. Got it?

ENZO: I'm ready.

PASQUALE: Don't go easy on him, Luca. He needs to learn.

LUCA: Sometimes, your opponent's swing will be too strong to parry. If they commit like this, throw them off-barance. Wait for the right moment, and dodge out all the way. That's it! Good!

[The training ends.]

LUCA: Let's switch it up. I'm going to guard. Come at me with everything you've got. Try to break it.

ENZO: You asked for it.

LUCA: You call that a slash? You'll hurt no one like that! Try again! With more power!

ENZO: Minchia...

LUCA: Come on! Again, do it again.

ENZO: Like that?

LUCA: That's it. Good!

ENZO: Again?

LUCA: Again! Come on.

PASQUALE: That's all you've got, carusu?

LUCA: Good, but what next? You're getting better. How's the blade feel?

ENZO: The weight, it feels good.

[They continue training in a free-form manner.]

LUCA: Damn it! Good! You might not be fucked after all. You'll tire yourself out like this. Damn, good work.

[In the end, Luca easily parries the strike, showing he was only pretending for training purposes.]

LUCA: You think anybody will take it easy on you out there? Huh? Don't take it too hard. I've had a lot of practice. You have some fight in you, Enzo. Use your brain alongside it, and you'll go further than most.

[He hears the sound of a bell ringing in the distance.]

LUCA: Minchia... We're late. Come on. Amunì, the race is starting soon! We better go. Pasquale - Enzo is with us now. Help him out if he comes around.

PASQUALE: My door is always open.

LUCA: Pasquale will trade you for anything, just watch out for his bullshit.

[They mount their horses.]

LUCA: We'll have to be quick if you want to watch the race. Andiamo!

[They gallop along dusty roads.]

WORKER: Watch out!

WORKER: Idiota!

WORKER: Once a year! Hurry up.

LUCA: You ride well. I thought I was fast, but you can really handle a horse.

ENZO: Well, you know what they say. Riding is a young man's game.

LUCA: Older men are too busy for games. Looks like we made it in time.

Remember, Spadaro and his men will be around. Watch your mouth and don't draw attention to yourself. We can leave our horses here.

TORRISI MAFIOSO: Ciao, Luca. Comu stai?

LUCA: Bene, bene. Is Don Torrisi here?

TORRISI MAFIOSO: He's in his tent. A word of warning though, it sounds like he's in a foul mood.

[Luca and Enzo dismount.]

LUCA: Enzo, let's go. We should make ourselves known to the Don. Feel free to take a look around. I'll meet you at Don Torrisi's tent at the end up there.

TOWNSMAN: I bet safer this year. Arnaldo. My wife wouldn't forgive me, after last year.

TOWNSMAN: Safe? You bet with the Galantes. They'll bleed you dry, no matter the odds.

ROBERTO: I wanted to thank you, Don Galante, for the American whiskey. My cousin, he sold all twelve bottles already.

DON GALANTE: Ah, bene, I told him it's the best, didn't I?

BOOKMAKER: Alright. I'm giving odds on all outcomes! Arnaldo Di Matteo, the favorite, followed by Gianni Bontante, the new Collezolfo rider.

RACING ODDS
PALIO OF SAN CELESTE
Sunday, September 10th 1904
Riders from across the valley will honor Our Lady of Sorrows with tradition and devotion. Victory awaits!
THE TEAMS AND THEIR RIDERS
The Black Bulls Arnaldo Di Matteo (5/6)
The Golden Cannons Gianni Bonafante (3/1)
Ignazio Tessari (9/1)
Piero Alberione (4/1)
The Crimson Stags Mattia Gaslini (7/1)
Silvestro Ficatellti (4/1)
The Blue Doradas Sante DeRocco (7/1)
Ugolino Papini (12/1)
Sponsored by Sig. Bernado Torrisi, of Torrisi Wine.

TOWNSMAN: I'll take ten lire on Arnaldo!

BOOKMAKER: Ten lire! Place your bet with my associate here.

TOWNSMAN: Forty on Bonfante.

BOOKMAKER: Franco you know what to do. Who's next?

TOWNSMAN: I'll take thirty, with Don Torrisi's man!

BOOKMAKER: A wise choice. Any more takers?

TOWN CRIER: Signore a signori, the race will begin shortly!

[Enzo approaches to listen to a story an elderly man is telling from a stage.]

CANTASTORIA: With my heart and my voice, I shall tell you the tale of a bandit prince, a hero born of the hills. As a boy, he saw the suffering of his people, crushed under the weight of greedy lords. Taxes, taxes, and more taxes, draining life from the land. But when our hero came of age, he took up the bow and donned a mask, ready to deliver justice. Season after season, he lived in the shadows, liberating ill-gotten wealth and returning it to the people. Word of his deeds spread like a prairie fire and the people clamored to sing his name. But the lords of the land cursed, reviled, and despised him. For he held up to them a mirror and they hated what they saw. Guardie, trackers, private detectives. Thugs, hunters, and insurance collectives. Not one could-capture the bandit prince. What hope did the lords have in such a place? He roamed the bills-freely-plaguing their minds until, one by one, the lords fled. And on that blessed day, the people rejoiced. But new lords have arrived. Different names, different clothes but with the same old demand, so whispers of the bandit prince sweep the land. Will we see his like again? Well, that is up to the lords, my friends. Ladies and gentlemen, here ends our tale. Thank you. Grazie! Grazie mille.

[Finally, Enzo approaches the Don's tent. Suddenly, an unfriendly voice is heard from inside.]

TINO: Get out! You're a disgrace!

[A young guy stumbles out of the tent.]

ARNALDO: Oh dio, non di nuovo...

[Enzo enters the tent with Luca.]

TINO: Where have you been?

LUCA: On deliveries. What's the problem?

TINO: It's Arnaldo. He's in no state to ride. He's in no state to stand up. Cesare, the imbecille, took our rider as his new drinking partner. I found them still in the whorehouse an hour ago.

DON TORRISI: What can we do? I will not forfeit this race.

ENZO: I can ride, Don Torrisi.

[Enzo carries himself confidently and calmly. Isabella turns to look at the bold guy.]

TINO: Luca, why is this farmhand here?

DON TORRISI: Can he ride?

LUCA: Outran the Spadaros, didn't he?

DON TORRISI: Alright...

[Luca prompts the Don with our young guy's name.]

LUCA: Enzo.

[The Don steps close to Enzo, hinting that the matter is serious.]

DON TORRISI: ...Enzo. There'll be a lot of people watching. You'll ride for San Celeste, but you'll represent our business, and my reputation. Can you do that?

ENZO: (with a short smile) Sì.

DON TORRISI: We have a rider. Get him ready.

[Enzo moves to exit the tent, but Luca stops him.]

LUCA: You want to twist the knife on the Spadaros? Now's your chance.

[Enzo exits the tent. Isabella is clearly impressed by his boldness. The race begins.]

TOWN CRIER: Riders, take your positions! Two laps! Around San Celeste! Al posti! Pronti! Via!

[Enzo starts the race in last place and for a long time trails at the back...]

WORKER: Let's go, San Celeste!

WORKER: Come on, Collezolfo!

WORKER: Go! Push harder!

PALIO RIDER: Annàchuti!

GALANTE RIDER: Strùnzu will fill this!

PALIO RIDER: Let’s go!

PALIO RIDER: Amunì!

ENZO: Whoa!

PALIO RIDER: Faster!

ENZO: Just one lap to go… we've got this. We can do this! Harder! Andiamo!

PALIO RIDER: Yah!

PALIO RIDER: Move it!

PALIO RIDER: Go! Now!

PALIO RIDER: Go to hell!

[...but towards the end of the race, having gotten the hang of it, he quickly overtakes one horse after another. The last rider proves to be a tough nut to crack and even overtakes Enzo closer to the finish, but he still wins by a full horse length! Everyone applauds the champion.]

TOWNSMAN: Hey, Enzo, well done, well done... Incredible!

TOWNSMAN: Hey, Enzo, great job! Bravo!

ENZO: Grazie.

LUCA: The Don asked, can he ride? You should see the smile on his face now. Bravo, Enzo.

[He hugs him.]

IGNAZIO: Move!

L'OMBRA: Out of the way!

TORRISI MAFIOSO: Better luck next year, boys!

VALERIO: Spadaro cugghiuna! Forza San Celeste!

TORRISI MAFIOSO: Hey, that's right!

[The Don comes out to give a speech. Il Merlo notices this and, upset by the loss, leaves with his men.]

DON TORRISI: For fifty years I've attended this race. First as a boy, then as a rider, and now as a proud patron. And as you all know, nothing makes me happier than a victory for my hometown! Traditions, like ours, are what keeps San Celeste strong. Now, let's all celebrate together and please, a hand for our winning rider! Forza San Celeste! Enjoy!

[A large cake is brought out, and everyone starts eating, cheerfully discussing the race. Enzo stands aside and smiles. Tino approaches him to dampen the joy of victory a little.]

TINO: Quite a race. In all the excitement, I almost forgot why you are here. Deliver these, with the Don's compliments.

[He hands him a crate of wine and slaps his cheek, as if telling him not to get arrogant and remember his place.]

[Enzo approaches the house where the wine needs to be delivered.]

ENZO: Piazza Garibaldi, quarantaquattro... Should be around somewhere.

[Someone touches his shoulder... It's Isabella.]

ENZO: What... What are you doing down here?

ISABELLA: I needed a walk. It's already getting out of hand back there.

ENZO: Va bene... Andiamo.

ISABELLA: So, where's our first stop?

ENZO: It's number eight, signorina. Just up ahead.

ISABELLA: You can call me Isabella, Enzo.

ENZO: Sì, signorina. I mean, Isabella.

ISABELLA: You've caused quite a stir. A runaway to a champion rider, just like that.

ENZO: Your father showed me a kindness. I help where I can.

ISABELLA: Well you certainly showed that today. My father can't stand to lose face. Just hope he appreciates what you did for him. Here we are. Number eight.

[Since Enzo's hands are full, he asks Isabella to knock on the door.]

ENZO: Could you...?

ISABELLA: What would you do without me?

ENZO: You don't need to stay, you know. This kind of work, it's beneath you.

ISABELLA: Oh, it is? I'll decide how I spend my time. Besides, you might not be such bad company.

CUSTOMER: Yes, can I help you? Signorina Torrisi. What a pleasant surprise. Is... your father here?

ISABELLA: Unfortunately it's just me. He's celebrating his win at the palio.

CUSTOMER: I see. Well, please pass on my apologies for missing our appointment last week. I meant no disrespect. I was called away, on urgent business.

ISABELLA: I'm sure my father understands.

ENZO: Please, take a bottle.

CUSTOMER: I thank you both. And the Don, of course.

ISABELLA: Done? Bene, on to the next one.

ENZO: Who was he?

ISABELLA: I have no idea.

ENZO: He seemed to know you.

ISABELLA: They know me because they want to know my father. Everybody in San Celeste wants to be Don Torrisi's friend. I have a thousand uncles.

ENZO: That must be strange. To be part of something like that. I've never had a family.

ISABELLA: Nor have I, not for a long time anyway. Where's your next stop?

ENZO: It says... Via Nino Agavi.

ISABELLA: But that's on the other side of town. Tino really has it in for you.

ENZO: I get the feeling he can't wait for me to leave.

ISABELLA: That's just Tino. Don't take it personally. But are you... Going to leave, I mean?

ENZO: I don't plan to. Not while there's a bed for me. Work to do.

ISABELLA: Then I pray Luca keeps you busy.

ENZO: I hope so. I can be happy here, I think.

ISABELLA: I think you could be right. It's just down here. One moment. I need to do something quickly.

[They approach a small drinking fountain with three heads.]

ENZO: What's that?

ISABELLA: I used to come here, with my mother.

ENZO: She's not around anymore?

ISABELLA: No. She isn't.

ENZO: I'm sorry.

ISABELLA: This fountain, it's said to be blessed. You pray here, and life will bring you fortune. So, did you want to say a prayer?

ENZO: You should say one for me.

ISABELLA: Why of course. Ave Maria, look down upon us today with the warmth of your heart. As you have cared for mamma up above, show us too, below, the kindness. of your spirit and guide us towards happiness.

ENZO: Do you ever get what you ask for?

ISABELLA: Every now and again. Right, let's go. It's a long way to Nino Agavi.

ENZO: Lead the way.

ISABELLA: This square, up ahead, is my favorite place in San Celeste. It has beautiful views, of the mountain and the valley. It's quiet, too. You can be alone here, even though you're surrounded by houses and people.

[They pass through a steel gate and suddenly run into three of Enzo's acquaintances from his time working in the mine.]

ENZO: Minchia... Spadaros.

L'OMBRA: Hey, carusu! Or is it 'delivery boy' now? You're really coming up in the world. Even got yourself a little buttana.

ISABELLA: Testa 'i minchia!

ENZO: Calma! Calma!

[L'ombra pulls out a knife.]

L'OMBRA: Il Merlo misses you. I think I'll give him a little piece.

ISABELLA: Enzo!

[Enzo throws a crate of wine at L'ombra.]

ENZO: Get back!

[He pulls out his knife, ready to defend his life, and possibly Isabella's life.]

ENZO: You threaten women now?

L'OMBRA: Just saying hello, carusu.

ENZO: Spadaros, all the same.

L'OMBRA: Fuck her I'm here for you... You'll wish you died at the mine when I'm through. Big mistake racing for Torrisi against us.

[Parrying the strike as Luca taught him, Enzo grabs the thug in a hold.]

ENZO: You shouldn't have come here.

L'OMBRA: Testa 'i minchia!

ENZO: You'll regret coming after me!

ISABELLA: Enzo!! Bastaadi!

L'OMBRA: Should have never crossed me or my brother!

ENZO: You and your brother are nothing!

L'OMBRA: Damiano will be happy to see you, when I drag you back to the mine. You die here, carusu! Can't dodge me forever.

ENZO: These strùnzi are next once finish with you.

[He wins, pins the thug on the cobbled street, and raises his hand to kill him, but then Luca intervenes.]

LUCA: Hey!

IGNAZIO: Shit!

LUCA: Leave.

L'OMBRA: This isn't over, carusu.

LUCA: Figgh'i buttana! Get the fuck out of here.

[The mine bandits leave, taking the wounded L'ombra with them. Isabella, understanding what will happen to Enzo for fighting, stands up for him.]

ISABELLA: Enzo was standing up for me.

LUCA: Yes? Good. Things can get out of hand on race day. Get back.

[Isabella walks towards the gates.]

LUCA: Isabella... Not a word of this to your father.

[When Isabella leaves, Luca turns to Enzo.]

LUCA: They touch her?

ENZO: Of course not.

LUCA: You're brave, Enzo. What you did was right. But being seen alone with Isabella is stupid. Anyone else other than me comes around that corner, the Spadaros wouldn't be your only problem.

ENZO: Luca we were just-

[Luca sharply cuts him off.]

LUCA: You listen to me. Carefully. The Don is very protective of his daughter. People see things, normal things, they make up stories in their heads. Don't let that happen. This stays between me and you, u capisti?

ENZO: Sì.

LUCA: Alright, let's go.