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been there, would the curse take effect? |
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Mallt had returned Rhiannon's greeting coldly if civilly. Madog could not, but it was quite apparent that she had not noticed. Her face had a closed, withdrawn look that implied her mind was elsewhere than on casual civilities. That caused a reversal of Madog's initial sense of relief. Did she know after all and merely make a pretense of civility because Mallt was there? The familiar certainly had displayed animosity. But did that mean anything? The cat had hissed and spat at him even while Rhiannon was inviting his attentions when she had first arrived at court. |
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"What is wrong with you?" Mallt asked. |
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Madog realized that he had stopped midsentence. He felt a need to explain himself, but could not admit he was afraid of Rhiannon. "II only learned today what she is," he confessed. "It is horrible to think that I once considered her for a wife." |
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"Oh, she has bewitched half the men in the court," Mallt said bitterly. |
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Then she drew her breath in sharply. What a fool she had been! She had not thought of it before, but doubtless that was what had happened to Simon. He was bewitched. That was why he would not even look or smile at her any longer. It must be true, Mallt thought, remembering that Math had not spat at Simon yesterday but followed him about, weaving between his footsteps, and even sitting in his lap. This cast a new light on Mallt's jealousy, and she needed a little time and privacy to think it over. |
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"I think you must be right," Madog replied, but there was a marked lack of interest in his voice. |
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Madog knew there was no need of witchcraft to attract men to Rhiannon. Even if they thought her a little strange and too willful, the advantages of a blood bond with the ruling house of Gwyneddfor her half-brothers David and Gruffydd were both fond of herplus a handsome dower were quite enough to |
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