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up with his own problems to absorb Joanna's blanched complexion and frightened eyes. |
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"I know only of some gentlemen of the Exchequer," she replied vaguely, and then, "Oh, no, they are churchmen, of course I do not knowperhaps you can send a man to the Knights Templars. Usually there are a few men at the Temple. They will help." The need to seem calm and to think of something real steadied her a little. "I have a troop here," she said more firmly. "We can do something until you find more suitable help." |
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Relief brightened the alderman's eyes. "My thanks, my lady, my thanks. You will save us God knows how much loss. If you will tell the men to make ready" |
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There was a short, sharp gust of wind that tore at Joanna's wimple and fluttered her skirt. With it came the smell of fire. The alderman's voice faltered and his head snapped around to the east. Before he or Joanna could speak, the wind had died away. The scent of burning lingered on the air for a few moments, but there was neither smoke nor smuts. A long rumble of thunder followed. |
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"Pray God it will rain," the alderman whispered, his voice shaking. "Pray God it will rain." |
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There was silence for a few tense moments, but neither the wind nor the thunder returned. Joanna faced around and gave Knud brisk orders. |
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"There is no danger," Joanna assured him firmly. "We will not go near the fire. It is only to be sure that looters do not break into the merchants' quarter." |
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At that point Beorn would have presumed upon his long service with the mother and carried the daughter away to safety by force. Knud was a young man, however, and, because Alinor traveled with her husband much of the time, was accustomed to obeying Joanna. He lifted her to her horse, therefore, with only faint misgivings and went away to order one man to ride back and send a cart for Salisbury's goods. After the alderman had dispatched two men to the Temple to seek more help, the troop moved out eastward |
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