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Page 360
killed ashore, I do not know. We put out a boat, but they discovered nothing. Truly, Madam, I am not really sure where we are. it is an island and a large island, but there are many such in this sea."
"Then we must first discover whether any of our people are alive and, if so, what can be done for them. Is there any use in returning to the wrecks and sending a stronger party ashore?"
"I do not believe so, Madam. If our people are there, they would be kept in caves and strongly guarded. We could search for weeks without finding where they were hidden," Beorn replied. "I do not believe they are there. Most likely they are taken away to a more secure place."
Joanna now looked at Alinor. These were her men and she knew their capability best.
"You are strong enough to keep us from being boarded and taken by force?" The tone of the remark Alinor addressed to her master-at-arms was more order than question.
"My lady," he protested, "it depends upon how many are sent against us. We are well armed and well supplied, yes."
"They will not dare damage the ship when they know you are aboard," Alinor said to Joanna and Berengaria. "Let us sail into the harbor. At least we will be able to discover where we are. Possibly we can get news of our people too. Out here we can do nothing."
"We are safe out here," the captain warned.
Alinor's jaw jutted again. "There are prices too high to pay for safety. We cannot desert any of our own people. If even one man lives, we must be ready to give him aid, and we cannot help from here. Beorn, bid your men don their armor and lay their arms ready." She looked at Joanna who nodded curtly.
"Wherefore is all this readiness?" Berengaria asked. "We need not fear being taken. Richard would unseat

 
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