< previous page page_381 next page >

Page 381
speak to those I have appointed to rule while I answer the king's summons?"
"I will gladly look," Geoffrey agreed, masking his relief. He was, after all, younger than Sir John and was always a bit surprised at the deference shown him in military matters because he did not realize the impression he had made on the men who accompanied him through the Welsh campaign. "But I doubt I will have any advice to offer you. You know these lands and the men too, far better than I."
To that Sir John smiled approval. Geoffrey's open acknowledgement of such truths and his own willingness to take advice were two good reasons why Sir John was so willing to ask. He knew the young lord would not meddle just for the sake of meddling or to show his power.
"That may be true," he replied, "but it is the strange eye that sees small things familiarity overlooks. I may also hope," he added anxiously, "that you or Lord Ian will bring me aid if I find myself overmatched?"
"Unless we are utterly overpowered ourselves, I can promise you that," Geoffrey assured him. "The inland keeps will be safe if we hold firm, and the forces of Ealand or Kingsclere can be dispatched to you. I have sent them notice already that more men must be readied than what will fulfill the king's summons, and I am buying mercenaries as I see those worthwhile."
Geoffrey hesitated. Sir John had implied that he intended to answer John's summons and had made that decision before Geoffrey arrived. Considering how ambivalent Sir John had been toward the king when Joanna visited him last autumn, the change in attitude was interesting. Again Geoffrey was saved from the need to ask delicate questions by Sir John's trust and respect.
"I suppose Lady Joanna told you that I was not much displeased when there was some hope of absolving the lords from their vows of obedience to the king," he remarked.
"She told me," Geoffrey replied with a shrug. "You were not alone in the way you felt, but there is no one else. I will say again what I have said to othersit is not reason-

 
< previous page page_381 next page >