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think they have a sufficiently weak victim.'' |
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Winchester's lips tightened, but he did not answer directly. "What brings you here?" he repeated, but the emphasis was different. There was almost relief in his voice because he thought Ian had some specific complaint about the lawlessness in the city. |
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"Memories," Ian replied. "When John was king, you and I thought much alike. We desired a peaceful realm where king and barons both knew their roles and carried them out with honesty." |
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"I desired peace, yes," Winchester responded, but his mouth and eyes had gone hard. "And I still do, but neither this realm nor any other will ever be at peace when authority is torn and divided. It is the role of the king to command, that of his vassals to obey." |
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"In war, perhaps, but for day-to-day life, my lord, that would make all except the king slaves. Even the serfs have their small rights. There is the law" |
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"The king makes the law," Winchester interrupted sharply. |
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"Only in council with the approval of his barons," Ian said. "That was signed and sealed at Runnymede, and Henry swore to the charter both when he was crowned and again when, no longer a child, he took the reins of government into his own hands." |
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"Ridiculous! A charter extorted by force from the father, and pushed upon a child who knew no better until the man was made to believe" |
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"You were beside him then and beside the father when he first swore!" Ian exclaimed, his voice rising as his temper erupted. |
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"Both oaths were under compulsion, and you know it, Lord Ian," Winchester said more calmly. He realized it would do no good to make Ian angry. "And you also know the Holy Father absolved both John and Henry of that pernicious oath." |
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"It was not pernicious. It was necessary so that the barons would know what was their right and what |
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