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her stuffy quarters aboard ship. The gates had been closed when their party came into view. Although Sir Guy had no intention of entering anyway, his heart sank. To close the gates against so small a party was a very bad sign. Usually travelers were welcomed into any keep with open arms for the sake of the variety and news they brought. Nonetheless, he called out, identifying them and demanding that Lord Geoffrey be sent out, either alone or with no more than five men to guard him. |
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The guard in the small tower shouted down excitedly. In a few minutes, a woman appeared in the tower. "Is it really you, Léon?" she called. "It is a bare three weeks since I sent the priest off, and he has not even returned with an answer." |
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"Speak to her," Joanna ordered. "Tell her something only you could know so that she may be sure it is truly you, in case she cannot see you clear enough." |
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But there was no need for him to continue. Obviously his wife recognized his voice. She uttered a cry and turned to run down the steps. In the same instant the bars of the gates could be heard shifting and, as soon as possible, they opened wide. The woman appeared. |
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"Come in," she called, "come in and be welcome." Her voice shook. |
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"We will not enter," Sir Guy replied. "Send Lord Geoffrey out." |
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"But he is still very weak," Lady Gilliane protested. "Come in, I beg you." |
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Weak? Maybe dead? Joanna's heart fluttered in her breast. Uncaring of arrows that might be launched from the keep or any other danger, she rode forwardthe reins in her left hand, the knife in her right flashing as it came across Sir Léon's throat. |
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"Send him out!" she screamed. "Carry him out if must be, but if he is not out before the sun touches that treetop it is nearing, I will kill your husband here before your eyes." |
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"In God's name, Gilliane," Sir Léon shouted, "she will do it. She will! Send out her man!" |
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