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Richard listened but shook his head. "I do not know why the king is doing this. He is no soldier, I know, but he has with him men who know war as well as or better than I do." |
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I and my men can scout the routes," Simon offered. "We can make sure there is no trap set there now, or"he smiled grimly"remove the trap so that it turns to our benefit." |
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"No," Richard said. "I do not fear a trap." His lips twisted. "I will not raise my hand against my overlord. If he attacks mewell, then, I must defend myself, but I will commit no act of aggression against him." |
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Simon was quietly thoughtful after that. Usk was a strong keep and very well stocked for war. Around it, for miles, was only forest and barren fields from which all produce had been harvested. Nonetheless, all the people of the area were also in the keep. If Henry was ready to sit in front of Usk for six or eight months, Usk would be starved out. Simon did not think the king had that kind of patience or the money to pay mercenaries for so long, but it was possible. In any case, Simon did not want to be trapped with no chance of actionand that would be just what he would face if Richard refused to act and Henry determined to carry out a siege. |
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Later in the day, he requested permission to take his men out to scout Henry's army. Richard gave permission, but Simon could see he was not happy with even so minor an initiative against the king's forces. To ease his mind, Simon promised that his party would not raid, would only mark the size of the army, what engines of war they carried, and other such matters. |
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"That is not really fair to your men, is it?" Richard sighed. "They are accustomed to raiding." |
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"There will be opportunity enough for them later," Simon said, eager to get away before Richard changed his mind altogether. |
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He was not concerned for his men, who were most |
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