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It was the truth. Adam was a man, completely a man. Joanna saw that he had even given orders to the men before coming to her. The whole were already binding up the wounds of the injured and getting them on horses, those sorely hurtof whom there were very fewtied pillion behind others lightly hurt but not sound enough to fight. These Adam then ordered to ride ahead with Joanna, Sir Guy, Sir Léon, and about twenty unhurt men. The remainder would stay behind with him to guard the rear. |
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"It remains only to decide where you want to go," Adam said. |
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"I had thought to go to Dover and take ship there for Flanders with a Lowlander who does not love the French and would agree to some tale concerning whence I came, but nowDover is too far, I think, and my last wish is to Feed to wait for the ferry to cross the Thames while those from the keep ride down upon us." |
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"If that is best for you, I will make shift to hold them off," Adam assured her. |
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"No," Joanna replied. "I think now I will ride for Mersea. The distance is not much farther and I can be sure of a safe haven from FitzWalter or anyone else if there is no ship to take me at once." |
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The first hour of their journey was tense because it was necessary to ride back almost under the very gates of Horndon to strike the road for Mersea. They drove their horses as hard as they could, considering the work the beasts had already had. When all except Adam's great gray destrier were stumbling and plodding with hanging heads, Adam at last called a rest. Joanna went at once to see to the wounded men as well as she could with only the few salves she carried for a chance hurt on a journey. She had a full stock of medicine packed away, but that was for Geoffrey if he needed it and she would not use a fingerful for any other purpose. |
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Adam had had no rest at all since dawn the preceding day. Even the tameless energy of his big body and his youth must be a little worn down by thirty-six hours of responsibility and violent activity. When Joanna was finished doing |
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