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Page 179
"There cannot be anything more," she sighed, "can there?"
"Nothing of real import, but straws that show the wind is blowing from a wicked direction. John has declared a scutage of two marks on all who did not ride with him into Wales."
"That is his right, surely, but two marksthat is a heavy fine."
"Yes. He means it as a warning, I think. He is talking already of sailing to France next year and winning back what was lost to Philip.
"Will he never learn?" Joanna sighed.
"You know," Geoffrey temporized, "I am not certain I think it so bad a thing. I said before in a fit of passion that I hated the king. I suppose I hate the man, but as a king, when dealing with matters he understands and where his wild fears of his own men do not lead him into error and where his pride does not push him into foolishness, he has gained wisdom. This business with France might do well. He does not intend to use the strength of England alone this time."
"I do not understand," Joanna complained.
"It is a long tale going back to King Richard who supported and made treaty with Otto of Germany to help him become emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. John did nothing to forward this after Richard died, but he bespoke Otto well and honored him when he came to visit. Now that Philip is grown so mighty, the other kings and great dukes in Europe are seeking a way to contain him."
"And they look to John?" Joanna said doubtfully.
"Not yet, perhaps, but they can be made to do so. The king has offered good comfort to Renaud Dammartin, together with lands worth three hundred pounds a year. Renaud will be John's emissary, and the more convincing from his own treatment at Philip's hands."
"You think this is wise?" her voice was neutral.
"Yes. Yes, I do. If an alliance can be forged so that the Flemish, the Germans, and those others that will be swayed by Dammartin attack from the east at the same time that the

 
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