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brought him her voice and the birdsong was her laughter? Even if he could find such soft words of love, they were forbidden; to write them would be inexcusable. This separation should wean them apart; love letters would scarcely serve that purpose. Even if he should die, such a letter would be unpardonable. It would only increase Alinor's grief and her distaste for marriage to another man. |
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All waiting ends. Simon's was terminated when Beorn entered the hut to tell him all was ready and help him to arm. After a brief conference and inspection to be sure no part of the plan he had outlined had been forgotten or overlooked, Simon led his troop out on the trail to the sentry place. The men were tense and ready, shields bound to their arms rather than hung over their backs. Often, too often, archers lay hidden in the forest along the trail and let fly at them as they rode. |
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This day, however, they were not harassed. Simon was thankful for it even if it meant that the men would add to the numbers inside the encampment. In all probability they were already so outnumbered that a few more would not matter. |
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Beyond the sentry place, Simon found his deductions had been correct. There were soon well-marked paths leading to the easiest passages of the broken ground. Simon chose the widest and best marked, and the troop followed. The choice increased the danger of ambush, but his men were prepared for that and would not be surprised or disheartened. They had their orders. Ambush or no ambush, they were not to break ranks. If a blow must be launched in self-defense, it must be launched while moving. No man was to attack or pursue. |
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"Remember," Simon had warned his men, laughing, "it is your dinner you are fighting for and that can be served only inside the Welsh encampment." |
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However, there was no ambush. Although the air |
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