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piece of levitation as Salisbury had seen in a long time. "What? What?" he gasped, groping for his sword before his eyes focused on the interruption. |
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As he looked at his son, Salisbury's irritation evaporated. Geoffrey was a most personable young man, even now with his eyes dazed, his hair lank, and sweat beading on his shoulders and trickling through the sparse hair on his chest and belly. |
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"Father!" Geoffrey exclaimed, "What it is? What is wrong?" And before the earl could answer, he shouted, "Tostig, my arms!" |
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"No," Salisbury said, "Court dress." |
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It was clear enough at this moment that Geoffrey's mind was still thrall to his thwarted body. Salisbury made an effort and did not laugh. He would not have been pleased, when he was Geoffrey's age, to be laughed at in a similar situation. In fact, he thought, he would not be overpleased if it happened right now. That notion was irresistibie, and Salisbury did grin. It was a mistake. Geoffrey's face became suffused with color and his eyes lightened to gleam golden as a wolf's. |
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"No," he snarled. "I do not care to come to heel like a tame dog at the king's whim. If there is business, I will come at a reasonable hour tomorrow." |
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"It is nothing to do with John," Salisbury replied a little stiffly. "Joanna rode in just before vespers." |
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"Joanna!" Geoffrey exclaimed, his color diminishing, "It is impossible. Her messenger came only" |
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"Impossible or not impossible, she is here." |
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A string of heartfelt obscenities trickled slowly out of Geoffrey's mouth, but when Tostig came in with his mail he said to his man, "Never mind my armor. Get me something decent to wear. I must ride to court." |
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The relief in the young master-at-arms's face was hidden as he bent over the chests of clothing. He knew just how much wine his lord had swallowed and he had been wondering what he would do if his master was so far gone that he |
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