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the very island and toss it into the sea to have us back." |
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Alinor stared at her in blank amazement. Then she said to Beorn grimly, "To the death. We must not be taken!" |
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"Bid your rowers ready their oars," Joanna instructed the captain, almost in the same breath with Alinor. "We must not be taken." She turned to Berengaria who was looking a trifle affronted at this cavalier dismissal of her advice. "My love, what could Richard do if you were in their hands? To ensure your safety, he would promise anything and, whatever his rage, he would be constrained to keep his oath." |
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At first when they sailed into the harbor, Berengaria seemed the most sensible. The armed might certainly appeared to be out of order. A small boat put out and offered them a very warm welcome. Had their suspicions not already been aroused, probably they would have fallen into the trap and come ashore. Even when they refused, however, no force was threatened. Their questions were eagerly answered. They learned, thus, that they were in Limassol harbor on the island of Cyprus, ruled by the good and gracious Isaac Comnenus. yes, indeed, other of their people were ashore. There were two galleys warped in at the dock, which they could see if they would sail in nearer. There had been two wrecks? How dreadful! Inquiries would be set about to discover the survivors and render them all the aid possible. |
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The ladies were afraid to ask more specific questions or apply more pressure, so the emissary was dismissed. The remainder of the day and evening were spent in trying to think of a method of contacting their men who were ashore. Unfortunately the population of the island was Greek and even those who spoke French or Italian had a most distinctive accent. None of the men-at-arms or sailors could pass as a native and there was no way for them to discover whether any French or Italian ships were in port. In fact, the captain said he |
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