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king and eager to show themselves earnest in his cause. They were not, however, in agreement about anything else very often, and the king insisted that Geoffrey attend the conferences so that he could watch them and listen to them in person, the better to judge the honesty of their advice as well as the practicality of it. Because he knew Owain well and Llewelyn, although less well, at least in a way that was free of envy, spite, and prejudice, Geoffrey was able to make a suggestion here and there. |
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The help he gave, increasing his father's pride in him, did Geoffrey no good with his uncle. John might hate his nephew and secretly hope he would catch his death in the coming action, but he was perfectly willing to use the young man as long as he was alive and found him useful enough not to plot his death actively. Thus, Geoffrey was indispensable at each war council. Salisbury did not realize how his son was driven. He saw Geoffrey only at council and they hardly exchanged a word that did not concern the subject immediately under discussion. The earl was also very busy and, if he gave Geoffrey a thought, it was of simple gratitude that his son did not run to him constantly for advice. |
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The army left Oswestry and as soon as they came to Llewelyn's land, the men were loosed. One village after another went up in flames. The pack animals fed on the unripe standing crops. The offal of meals and such beasts as died were thrown into the wells to foul the water. The main force was divided in two. One part clung to the coast road and the other followed the road through the river valleys. On both these paths the draft animals could draw the heavy wains of supplies. Strong parties ranged out a half day's ride northward and southward on every track they crossed, burning and pillaging whatever they found in their way. Some men were lost to the bowmen along the way who plagued them, but it did not hurt their spirit now. Their revenge was quick and sure. One small keep and then another and still another were taken in a matter of hours as the full force of England fell upon them. |
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