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gent was not to be expected. News of the successful rebellion in Wales, where Llewelyn was behaving with startling wisdom and modestyproof that he had learned a lessonwhich promised a long period of peace and independence for that country, would surely have come to Innocent's ears. Nor could it be hoped that Innocent would be ignorant of the conspiracy to overthrow the king. The time was ripe to draw the teeth of the viper that had stung the Church again and again. |
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For those faithful to the king, the times were gray and forbidding as the November weather. The one bright spot was the union of Ian's strength in the north with Salisbury's in the midlands and south. Lending an additional glow of hope was the faithful support of the earl of Pembroke who had sent to John with Lord Ian a testament of loyalty, signed by himself and twenty-six barons renewing their oaths of fealty and offering to do whatever service the king required of them. Nonetheless, there was little expectation that the king could retain his power without a bitter struggle and many, although they did not speak of it aloud, did not believe John could retain his throne at all. |
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News trickled back to England from across the narrow sea. Alinor had it from the merchants in Roselynde town and from the fisherfolk who met and talked with fisherfolk from the continental shore. All said the same. Boats were abuilding, men were being gathered, and weapons of war were being stocked. Philip of France was no sluggard. He hated the Angevins, root, stock, and branch. In addition, England would make a very nice storehouse from which he could draw men and supplies for the conflicts in Europe. Louis, his son, could rule there. It would give Louis good practice in controlling a rebellious populace. |
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All John's supporters believed that the moment Philip struck, perhaps a third of the barons would rise and join him. Another third would sit still, too unsure to take sides with Philip but too distrustful of the king to come to his aid. Struck by invasion from without and rebellion from within, what chance did they have? |
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