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nothing. There was no need to threaten force to prove Alinor's authority. They were welcomed with pleasure. |
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In short order, however, Simon knew why, and the knowledge made him uncomfortable. Alinor seemed to have permitted the condition of vassal and castellan to become confused. A vassal ''owned" his land. He paid dues to an overlord, but it was only a small portion of what the estate was worth and when he died his children inherited the land and vassalage by right. Castellans, on the other hand, were merely tenants. They lived in a keep and defended it; for this service they were allowed to retain a small portion of the rents and produce of the land, to hunt its woods and fish its streams. However, a castellan did not "own" the property and his children had no right to inherit it. He himself could be moved to a different keep or simply ordered to leave at the whim of the overlord. |
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The situation was not something Simon could speak of while they stayed at Iford Keep, but when they were riding from Iford to Kingsclere, he reluctantly opened the subject. It was something he feared would really anger Alinornot make her fly into a half-laughing rage as most of their disputes did but touch something deep and dangerous in her. Alinor was deeply and passionately tied to her men and her possessions. |
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"The lands are well cared for, the charges promptly and honestly paid," Simon began, administering a dollop of honey before he proffered the bitter truth. "But Alinor, in the name of God, this castellan is the grandson of the first holder. He must think the lands are his." |
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The furious denial Simon expected did not come. "Worse than that," she agreed wryly, "he feels that the lands are his. It is a great danger. My grandfather spoke often of it to me." |
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Simon made an unhappy grimace. "To put out an honest holder is a hard thing, and cruel too, but |
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