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there was some question as to when they would ever reach the Holy Land. Simon knew and Alinor guessed that Richard had no intention of leaving Cyprus until he owned it. The King could be, and often was, generous to a worthy foe, but he never forgot what he considered an act of deceit or dishonor. Moreover, Cyprus was a rich prize that would serve as a granary for the Crusaders in the Holy Land. |
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The following morning was given to establishing a firm hold on the port and city of Limassol. In the afternoon, the King rode out with a troop of about fifty knights on the soundest horses to examine the countryside. Within two leagues they came upon a somewhat larger troop of Comnenus' men, but those fled away before a challenge could be offered. Richard laughed and started out in pursuit. Fortunately, because the Crusaders' horses were not yet fully recovered from their incarceration aboard ship, the chase did not last long. Another half league brought them within sight of the Emperor's army. Richard pulled up to look over the force. |
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Hugo de Mara, one of the King's clerks, rode hurriedly up beside him. "Come away," he urged, "come away." |
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Richard looked at him with blank amazement. |
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"My lord King," he insisted, "it appears a wise plan to decline to close with so large and powerful a multitude." |
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Simon cast his eyes up to heaven in exasperation, wondering how the learned, who were supposedly wise, could be such idiots. If he had thought about it for a week, de Mara could have said nothing more likely to induce recklessness in Richard. That Simon had judged his master well was apparent from the King's reply. |
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"Sir clerk," he remarked coldly, "as for our various professions, you had better employ yourself in writing and leave war to us." |
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