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headmen and bailiffs and I thought your Brother Philip was giving me more of the same. And I would like to know the reason for that pretended stupidity too." |
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"For that I am somewhat ashamed, my lord," Alinor replied. "It was in spite, because you rode out without me. I beg your pardon. I know it was your right and duty to see the lands and question the men, but I wished you to see how they loved me and obeyed me. I pray you, do not punish them for my pride. But no man lied to you. That I straitly forbade." |
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"No indeed. How could there be a lie when there was no substance to lie about." Simon shook his head. "It is a nice trail of old fish, but I am a wise dog and I do not follow false trails. Perhaps you did not begin with the intent to enrage me, but you went on to that purpose. You have not answered my question. Why?" |
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"You have not answered mine." |
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Simon stared, again wordless. No man would dare, and this frail child A strangled sound just outside drew his eyes from Alinor, and he suddenly realized he had a large appreciative audience. The lesser castlefolk melted away under his glare, but Sir Andre and Sir John felt obliged to stand their ground. Simon passed a hand across his face. Alinor, who had had her back to the Great Hall, swung around. |
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"What do you here?" she asked furiously. |
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Sir Andre gestured over his shoulder at the unusually industrious servants. "They feared some harm might come to you, my lady." |
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"And you also felt Lady Alinor needed protection?" Simon asked in a perfectly expressionless voice. |
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Sir John cleared his throat awkwardly. Sir Andre shrugged helplessly. "My lord," he said, "we know you to be a courteous knight, but having some years dealt with Lady Alinor My Lord," he continued in furious haste, "a saint could hardly help wishing to murder her at times. I have come within inches of it myself. |
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