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elyn in his stead while he is away. However, Ian does not dare trust his men, my men, and Adam's men to the king's governance. Either John would try to steal them from us, seducing them to swear directly to him and thus rob us of our rents and our power, or he would thrust them into the greatest danger so that they would be killed and he could control their heirs. We must have a man who can take Ian's place as leader. We must have a man who has the right to take Ian's place, a right the king cannot dispute. Your brother is too young" |
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"Not Adam!" Joanna cried, almost starting out of her chair. Fear clouded her eyes. "I will marry anyone you say, anyone. Do not let Ian send Adam to war." |
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Alinor laughed, although her eyes filled with tears. "IanIan would die ten times over to save any of you a prick of the finger. I said Adam was too young. Nonetheless, Joanna, soon he will not be too young. You must know that you cannot protect him from danger, and to show him your fear can only hurt him. Men must offer their bodies to hurt, and women must offer their hearts." Alinor's voice faltered a trifle. Perhaps it was better that Joanna should not love. "In any case," she went on more firmly, "Adam is not in question. If you marry, your husband will have a blood bond with us and thereby blood right to lead the men in our absence. WeIan and Iwill take oath of them to obey him.'' |
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"Mother, do you know what you are saying? You are telling me to choose the man I like best so that he may be laid down as a sacrifice in the king's war." |
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"Nonsense!" Alinor rejoined tartly. "Your father died of sickness in his bed, yet he had fought all of his life. My grandfather, who lived to be four score years, died in his bed also. Ian is near forty years of age. He, too, has seen much of warand much of treachery alsoand he is hale and hearty. Men do die in war. Women die too, in childbearing. Is that a reason to stop having children? What I am telling you is that you must choose a husband, a man with whom you wish to spend your life, whose children you |
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