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rose in his eyes. "I am none so proud of my share in this victory when I look on the blackened corpse of what once was a fair town. You warned me, and I did not listen. I am sorry now." |
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Salisbury rose and patted Geoffrey comfortingly on the shoulder. "Do not think you are the only one. No man likes to see such things. Do you believe it gives me joy? I can only tell myself that if a town must burn, why then, it is better that it be a Welsh town than an English one. And think instead that this may bring peace to Wales and then this one burning will save many, many others." |
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"Do you think so, papa?" Geoffrey asked with a spark of eagerness. |
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"I hope so," Salisbury replied, then smiled. "At my age, child, hope is all that is left." The smile died. He looked away, staring blindly at the blank side of the tent. "I am no longer sure enough of anything to believe." |
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Then reassured as to his son's physical health, Salisbury went out. He could do little for any other distress Geoffrey felt. Time and growing older would cure his qualmsif they ever would be cured. Geoffrey watched the tent flap settle behind his father and looked at the space for a while longer. Finally, he sighed and reached down beside the bed for the case that held a flagon of wine and goblets. He opened it, not really looking at what he did, and fumbled for a goblet, but he missed his aim and his fingers slid down behind the flagon where they encountered a small roll of parchment tucked in a corner. Startled, he withdrew it quickly and got out of bed to unroll it in the best light he could get from the lamp. He read the signature first, and his fixed expression gave way to a smile. It was Joanna's letter, which he had put away safely and then forgotten completely in the press of his responsibilities. He reached over for the blanket on the bed and drew it around him, his eyes on the letter. Joanna was certainly wise to remain on good terms with the Church, he thought. Only a fool would believe there would not soon be a settlement. She showed foresight also in collecting extra supplies although he knew now they |
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