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The fourth and fifth fled without even drawing swords. They were not cowards. Two men afoot were no match for a knight mounted on a war-wise destrier. Across the field those who had been coming slowly began to spur their horses onward, but the shouts of Ian and Beorn and the men who followed made them pause. When they saw the size of the troop, most of the men riding with lances fewtered, they did more than pause. They turned their horses and rode away at the best pace they could make. |
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Simon pushed the loop of the morningstar off his wrist, flung himself from his mount, and caught Alinor to him, gasping between rage and fear for her. |
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"Let me go," she cried, her voice high, hysterical, terrified. |
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Alinor did not fear the man who seized hershe feared for him. She had recognized Simon as soon as the man-at-arms screamed a warning to his comrades. But the blood! Her love was covered in blood. It seemed to Alinorwho had seen men hacked to piecesthat she had never seen so much blood in her life. Simon misunderstood. He thought she was dazed by fear and did not know him. |
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"Alinor! It is I, Simon. Beloved, do not struggle so. No one will hurt you now. You are safe. My love, my love, when I find who has done this to you, it will take him ten years to die." |
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"My God, my God," she sobbed, "no one has done me aught. But look at you! You are covered in blood. Where are you hurt, dear heart?" |
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"I am covered in blood!" Simon exclaimed, relaxing his grip so that he could look at Alinor. "You are covered in blood." His face turned ugly, but his voice was soft as to wheedle a frightened child. "Beloved, tell me who beat you. I swear on my life that man shall take no revenge upon you." |
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"No one. No one." Alinor assured him, and threw her arms around his neck, and kissed him. |
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