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his wife could, and would, cry the truth aloud to the world. For Joanna the only safety lay in instant flight. It would not matter if he died on the road; that, in fact, would improve her chances for safety. |
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It was a nightmare journey. For Joanna, mounted pillion behind Geoffrey, all sense of time disappeared, and yet she was horribly aware that time was important. The effect was heightened by Geoffrey's orders that they must not pass through any village or town. Because Joanna was not familiar with the territory and the land was flat and featureless, they seemed to move continuously on the same stretch of road and woodland. |
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When he was first lifted to the saddle, Geoffrey laughed in spite of his pain, saying it brought back memories of his early childhood to be so mounted. He talked a little to Joanna at first also, pointing out a place where he thought he had camped before they brought the army to confront Philip, remarking on the gait of her mare and how it differed from that of his destrier. He fell silent after that, thinking of the three horses he had lost and hoping they had found new masters who would be kind and appreciate them. Alarmed by his silence, Joanna asked if he wanted to stop to rest and Geoffrey told her rather sharply that they were scarce an hour on their way. That, too, contributed to her confusion. To her apprehensive mind it seemed they had been riding most of the day. |
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As time passed Geoffrey spoke less and less. When he had to answer a question, as when Sir Guy, who was ranging ahead to divert them from any town, asked for instruction, his voice was low and breathless. Later, Joanna saw blood seeping through his tunic from the hip wound. She wept softly, knowing there was nothing she could do for him. To stitch the flesh again was useless; it would only tear-anew. Later still, his body began to sag against hers, but when she cried out that they must stop, Geoffrey roused himself enough to countermand the order. |
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Joanna might have overborne himthe men were hers and would obey herbut Geoffrey said softly, "It will only serve to lengthen my torment. I cannot suffer more, but I |
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