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Had he not been so startled by Simon's shout, Geoffrey would have realized there was as much laughter as outrage in Simon's voice, but that became clear only a moment later when Simon ducked around his bared blade, seized him in his arms, and kissed him heartily. |
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"Your man Tostig," Simon chuckled, finally answering Geoffrey's question when he released him so that he could resheath his sword. |
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"What in the world did Tostig say to make you so angry?" Geoffrey asked, really amazed. Occasionally, like any longtime servant, Tostig offered his betters good adviceeven when they did not want it or ask for it. |
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"Nothing!" Simon replied, still half-furious in reaction to his past fear. "That idiot did not say a word except that you were in your tent and left me to believe you were dying." |
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"Dying?" Geoffrey echoed. "But why should you think I was dying in the first place? What did Tostig say? I told him only to ask for you and to offer safe conduct." |
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"Well, that is all he did," Simon grumbled, watching Geoffrey pick up his cup, set another on the table, and pour wine into both. "But what did you expect me to think after a hard battle that went so ill for your side?" |
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Geoffrey's fair brows arched upward and his lips twitched. I am old enough to take care of myself." |
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"Yes," Simon agreed, but with so little conviction that Geoffrey began to laugh aloud. Simon shrugged. "You do tend to run amok in battle." |
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"Coming from you" Geoffrey began, then laughed again. "Never mind. Sit down. I have something to suggest to you and I wish to hear what you think, but first a question. You told me the last time we spoke that Richard would make truce if one were offered. Is this still true, or has the attack on him changed his mind?" |
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