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Page 226
When we take the trail to the camp, you and the twenty I have chosen must ride as swiftly as possible eastward. Try for Chester. Shrewsbury would also be safe, but if you miss it and stray too far south, the boy will fall into Rhys ap Gruffyd's hands, and that will be ill for all of us."
"And from Chester?"
"Send to the King and to Lord John and tell them who we have."
"Then I may return to you, my lord?"
This was the hardest part of all. "I think not, Ian," Simon said. He was very fond of the young man and this, although Ian did not see it, was a great opportunity for him. It was also an honorable escape from the differing dangers emanating from Alinor and King Richard.
"Lord," Ian said softly, fighting back tears, "how have I offended you?"
Neither of the causes Simon had for desiring separation ever entered Ian's mind. He was aware of the vice of homosexuality but he did not connect it with the King, who had available any woman he could desire, and his worship of Alinor was so purealmost impersonalthat it never occurred to him that Simon, if he noticed, would think it dangerous. In fact, if Simon had not had a far less innocent desire for Alinor, he would have understood that what Ian felt, at this time, would do no harm.
"Do not be so foolish, Ian," Simon grated. "You have offended me in no way. I will miss you sorely, but the needs of the realm come above my needs and your desires.
It was useless to tell Ian that a close connection with Lord Llewellyn and an intimate knowledge of Lord John's ways would be of infinite benefit to him. His age and training would make him scorn the notion of personal benefit in comparison with loyalty, but Simon could not be equally careless of his squire's advantage.

 
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