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monk had seen in Simon's face when he said Alinor was gone almost shook his faith in God. He prayed silently, fervently, crushing the doubt in his heart. |
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"What shall I do?" Simon cried aloud. |
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"Pray," the monk whispered. "A way will open. A guide will be sent." |
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The eyes Simon turned on the old man were brilliant, and quite mad. He lifted a mailed fist as if to strike. The old man put a gentle, shaking hand on Simon's wrist. "God does not abandon the good," he affirmed. |
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"He has allowed many saints to be martyred," Simon spat bitterly. |
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"Alinor is no saint," Brother Philip said, almost smiling. |
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"You do not understand. She is in the hands of a devil. I dare not besiege the castle while she is hostage in it. Even if I dared, I have not the men. If I call up Alinor's vassals, it will be treason. Worse, in the time it takes them to gather, who knows" |
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"My son, I do not understand many things," Brother Philip interrupted. He had stopped trembling. At least God had answered his prayers for strength. "What does this devil desire of Lady Alinor that he should hold her?" |
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"Something that is a trifle to you, but that she would dare her life to holdher lands." |
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"But you are her husband," Brother Philip protested uncomprehendingly. |
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The innocent remark applied a brake to the whirling wheel of Simon's terror. John knew Alinor was marriednot only the Queen's manner but the knowledge of the messenger from Iford proved that. Thus, Alinor was worthless until Simon himself was dead. He drew a deep, shaken breath of relief and gripped Brother Philip's hand so hard that the old man had to set his teeth to keep back a cry of pain. He did not fear. Reason had returned to Simon's eyes. |
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