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Page 21
vassals to war. He was content with the younger sons so long as my grandfather paid their keep."
The Queen smiled, a little grimly this time. "Yes, I remember that little way to Lord Rannulf's very well," she murmured dulcetly. "And Harry bore with it? He was hard pressed."
"I only meant to say that there was little coming and going and that we had few visitors except old friends who did not care if my housekeeping was not perfect. Thus, I pray your indulgence if something is lacking that we should have provided for your welcome."
But nothing was lacking. The great drawbridge clanked down as soon as the devices on the pennons became clear, and the Queen rode into the outer bailey under the lifted portcullis with Alinor at her right hand. Alinor cast a single glance around. All was in perfect order. The outbuildings were closed, the bailey swept clean of filth, the animals penned at the far end. The great stone curtain walls frowned down upon them, a soothing protective background to the bright surcoats of the knights.
Alinor felt the last of her nervousness leave her. She was always happy and safe inside Roselynde Keep, even though it was old and brutally built to withstand brutal attacks. But this time, she reminded herself as she gestured toward the right where a gate opened to another drawbridge, the enemy is within. Only she did not feel that the Queen was her enemy. She felt the power and authority of the woman, but there was warmth too.
They crossed the second drawbridge into the inner bailey with the three vassals close at their heels. Alinor's men-at-arms did not follow. The Queen's retainers would be lodged in the keep itself; Alinor's would have to make do with whatever accommodation they could find in sheds and tents. It would be no hardship in the fine summer weather.
In the inner bailey the better class of castle servants

 
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