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"It was partly my own fault," Geoffrey sighed. "Instead of only telling what I knew, I began to offer advice on what should be done. I am not used to holding so high a place that my words are directed to earls and bishops and kings." |
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"Never mind that now. I do not think they would have listened no matter how you spoke," Joanna soothed. "I did not mean what you could do to change the king's plans. I meant what we could do to save our men as much as possible. I remember Ian said how they nearly starved to death when he went with my father into Wales." |
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"Yes, that was how Ian came to meet Lord Llewelyn. Ian's troop was foraging for food and captured him. That was what I wished to tell themthat Wales is not full of farms that can be stripped for provender, nor are there wide roads to carry the ox carts. |
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"Then you will need asses and mules. |
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Geoffrey nodded. "For myself I have enough, and I think our own vassals are convinced and will buy where they can. But there are not sufficient animals in the country to carry provender for the entire army for the time needed. A few weeks while we assail a stronghold is no great difficulty, but to pursue Llewelyn" |
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"So long as you and our men do not starve, I do not care," Joanna said callously. "I care for my own first." |
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"Then you had better care for all, unless you wish to see us engaged against our own comrades," Geoffrey remarked sharply. |
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Joanna's eyes misted with thought. "You are right. Whatever the leaders say, to the men an empty belly comes first. Geoffrey, if you know a better way to settle this matter, you had better convince your father and let him deal with the king." |
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"Of course. I said I was a fool to speak as I did, but I was surprised. It had not occurred to me that my father had never fought in Wales or that he and Ian should never have discussed the ways of war there." |
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"Ian would not!" Joanna exclaimed. "It would seem to |
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