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"Not at all," Simon replied blandly, ignoring the insult implied by SaesenegEnglish-speakingrelations. I am Prince Llewelyn's man and have neither intention nor desire to disobey any command he may give, but I have news. . . ." He allowed that to drift off temptingly. |
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"From so noteworthy a source, I am sure your news will be the mainspring of all Prince Llewelyn's future decisions," another sneered. He was the youngest of the group and the first to leap into Rhiannon's pitfall. |
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Antwn ap Hywel, the second man who had been clever enough to hold his tongue, put his hand on the speaker's arm. His father held lands in Powys and was one of Llewelyn's bulwarks against the Marcher lords. Thus, he was better acquainted than the others with the nobility and politics of England and knew to whom Simon was related. |
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"His source may well be noteworthy," Antwn said. "His brother-by-marriage is cousin to King Henry. What is your news, Simon?" |
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"You know, I suppose, that King Henry has summoned an army to gather at Gloucester on the Assumption and that many Flemish mercenaries have been brought in also." |
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"Of course we know," Madog ap Sior snapped. He was the second to fall into Rhiannon's trap and still did not realize she had laid a snare. He was less quick-witted than the others, more stubborn also, prone to cling to opinions he had made on the basis of superficial evidence. "That is why we are forbidden to raid. The king will soon take his army to Ireland, however, and we will be free of him. This is no news." |
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I do not think the king will take his army to Irelandand neither does Prince Llewelyn," Simon said, smiling. |
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"You dare to say our prince fears the stupid, slow-footed Saeson?" Madog snarled, thrusting forward. |
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Antwn grabbed him. "Do not be a fool, Madog. I am |
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