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Page 166
and armed for defending the walls of a keep. Simon was not concerned about stripping so many from Krogen's roster. Bifan would call in some veterans who had been settled on the land around Krogen if he needed them; meanwhile, he would choose and train some new young men.
The news Simon had from Richard included the information that the king had moved his army northwest from Gloucester to Hereford. Simon had debated taking the most direct route from Krogen to Usk, hoping he would have the satisfaction of encountering some of Henry's patrols and foreriders. Bifan eyed him coldly and remarked on how pleased Henry would be to hear of one of Llewelyn's men carrying messages to Pembroke. There was, of course, no certainty that such a deduction could be made from the mere facts of recognizing Simon and knowing he was riding south, but the remark was enough to remind Simon that he was not about his own business but on a mission for his overlord.
They took the slower route, west along the valley of the Ceiriog River, then climbed the goat trails over the mountains to the Iwrch, which they followed southeast until it joined the Tanai. They had to backtrack along the Tanai to the long vale that led to Llanfyllin and then eastward to the Vrynwy. Here, although they had come only about twenty-five miles from Krogen, they stopped and camped. The terrain was so rugged that, even in the river valleys, they had more often led their horses than ridden them. And, with backing and winding around obstacles, the real distance was nearly doubled.
It was, for a wonder, a lovely night, clear and with just a bare hint of the coming chill of autumn. Usually, Simon thought, staring contentedly up at the stars, if there was no shelter to be had and sleeping out was a necessity, it poured rain for spite. Tonight, however, was like a benison, a peaceful promise of a good

 
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