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Page 240
Chapter Fourteen
To desire a thing very greatly, Alinor discovered, did not always make one happy when desire became reality. She moved closer to the fire, although she was aware that the chill she felt came from within rather than from the February weather. Simon was returning at last to Court, but Alinor did not know why.
Simon's part in the expedition into Wales had been a brilliant success. The recurrence of that thought brought a recurrence of a deep blush of rage as she remembered that wasted effort. John had the credit of itJohn, who had not struck a blow. After Simon had nipped in the bud Owain Gwynedd's intentions to revoltif that had ever been his intention and was not a private ploy of his son Davidhe had turned south again and chastised Rhys ap Gruffyd's robber bands. Mortimer and Braose had done manfully also. Simon was well pleased by their energetic prosecution of the plan of action, but he did not lose sight of Richard's purpose in sending him west. Late in October he had written to the King that one strong show of force would bring Rhys to terms and impress him with the King's power above that of the Marcher lords.
Accordingly, a large army was sent into the shires that bordered on England with Lord John in command and William Longchamp to keep an eye on the King's brother. It was fortunate, indeed, that Simon was right and only a show of force was needed. The army was unprovisioned and without weapons.
Beorn himself had returned to Alinor after Rhys

 
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