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Page 169
He believes it, Alinor thought. He believes it the way Brother Philip believes. Yet I know that if it were not for me, Brother Philip would be dead many times over. Perhaps, as Brother Philip says, I was God's instrument to keep him alive, but I believe also what my grandfather said: "God helps those who, with righteousness, help themselves." The dictum of the Church that Alinor found hardest to accept was the one that insisted the meek would inherit the earth. Whenever she was reminded of it, a little rebellious thoughtlet them inherit it, I will keep what is mine nowflicked across her mind.
"I do not doubt the Divine Power," the Queen said heavily, "but neither do I doubt that we are not meant to understand the ways of the Lord God. We are given understanding of our own needs and powers and we are given free will so that we may use that understanding. To leave in the hands of God what is within our own power to do for ourselves is as sinful as refusing to accept the will of God when it is made manifest to us. You do not say, 'The Saracens have taken Jerusalem, it is the will of God,' you"
"The Pope had bidden us all take up arms against this blasphemy!"
"Indeed, indeed. I am not urging you to abandon God's City."
She would, Alinor thought cynically, if she thought it would do any good. For all the Queen cares God's City could rot in the hands of the Saracens forever, or crumple to dust, or take wing and fly to heaven. In fact, if it were within her power she would destroy it herself to keep King Richard here.
"I am only telling you it is equally your duty to arrange all matters here so that if God's mysterious will does not send you back to us" The Queen's voice broke again. She sobbed once and then said huskily but firmly, "You must marry and you must breed up an heir to your throne."

 
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