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Siorl, his headman, to be ready to ride out in an hour, and then went to the women's hall where he asked for Rhiannon. She came out to him herself, walking carefully, the protests of the healing woman who had been tending her drifting behind her. Simon swept her up into his arms and carried her into the garden where they could have a little privacy. |
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"Simon," she protested, "you will make more enemies than you need." |
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"I will not be here to face them," he remarked indifferently, "and I cannot believe anyone has not heard of how I brought you home. Does that not give me the right to bid you farewell when I must go?" |
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"You are going to Pembroke?" |
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"Not for certain," he soothed, setting her down on a bench near the herb beds. "I am only taking a meinie large enough to be safe when traveling through an area likely to be infested with hostile bands snatching up whatever they can find. Foreign mercenaries are not overscrupulous in whom or what they seize." |
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Rhiannon's green eyes observed him with grave disbelief. Her lips curved with amusement, but worry wrinkled her brow. "That sounds very much like something my father would say when he wished to explain a war party where no war was yet declared." |
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Simon could not help laughing at her perception. "It may smack of that, indeed, but I know Richard does not desire a war against King Henry. He is not a rebel, he swears, and only desires justice. He will not attack the king's forces" |
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"But he will defend himself, I suppose," Rhiannon interrupted, "and you will help him." She shook her head and sighed. "Never mind, I have heard all the words already. It is far to Krogen, and I must not keep you. Go with God, and with the blessings of Anu and |
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