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of marked by pride and lust and willfulness and, oh, so many things. If I" |
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Simon bent his head and kissed her. "Whatever has induced this unhappy soul-searching in you?" he laughed. |
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But Alinor did not respond to his mood. The night was brilliant with moon and stars. Simon could see the anxious expression on the face raised to him. |
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"I wish it so that my prayers for them might be answered," Alinor whispered. "Do you think they will be?" |
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Simon did not reply at once. He did not wish to think of the long future. "There is hope," he said at last. "At least he will make a woman out of a maiden this night." |
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The bloody sheets displayed on the following morning seemed to be evidence that Richard had been thorough about his work. Simon's spirits lifted when the King's joyous mood held through the next day. Nonetheless when opportunity arose, he mentioned casually the chance that Comnenus might seize this time to attack them, when he believed them to be off guard owing to the happy occasion. Richard did not think it likely that the Emperor could summon up the courage. Simon did not press the point. An hour later, however, he was summoned to council to arrange watches and scouting parties. |
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From this, by natural progression, a discussion of when and how to capture Comnenus arose. At this point the masters of the Hospitalers of Jerusalem stated that they were sure they could bring Comnenus to terms without further battle and despoiling of the country. Richard looked at them blandly and said with apparent gravity that, if terms that would suit his friends could be arranged, nothing would please him more. A good part of the next few days was given to setting up the terms. This was more difficult than simply demanding impossible conditions in the most in- |
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