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faithfully transmitted. These had paled into insignificance. The Chancellor had demanded that William Marshal yield up Gloucester Castle. He did not deign to give any reason. Indeed, even his inventive mind would have been hard put to fabricate a reason. Worried about the peace of mind and safety of her friend Isobel, for she had few female friends, Alinor begged the Queen to permit her to order Sir Andre to bring the vassals of Roselynde to Marshal's support. |
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To her surprise, the worried look with which she had been greeted disappeared from the Queen's face and she laughed heartily. Then, seeing Alinor's distress, she patted her hand. "No, no, child, I do not laugh at Isobel's trouble. In a way she has none. Indeed, the only reason William has not crushed Longchamp as a man may crack a louse with a thumbnail is out of respect for the King." |
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"But the forces the Chancellor has are so great" |
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"And without heart or sensible direction. Longchamp, whatever he is, is no war lord. William needs no help in men or arms. Most probably he has shut himself into his keep for fear his rage should overcome him and cause him to tear that misshapen mongrel into pieces instead of merely driving him away." She saw that Alinor was still distressed. "Never mind. child. I have already decided to send the kind of help William really needs. Today you will write to Godfrey, the Bishop of Winchester, whom Longchamp has also robbed while he lay sick in Normandy. Godfrey is now recovered, and will go to England and whisper a certain few words in Longchamp's ear." |
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Alinor dropped a curtsy and kissed the Queen's hand. "I am content, Your Grace." Then her lips hardened. "But this mad dog, should he run loose biting all and sundry as he chooses? Is there no way to curb him more sharply?" |
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The Queen smiled. "Not yet, child, for he is clever |
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