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Page 312
"There are many mercenaries in the land," Geoffrey remarked neutrally.
This was the second string to Winchester's bow, Geoffrey thought. No doubt the bishop would have preferred the easy way of taking Pembroke prisoner and quelling a rebellion that had no focal point. However, it was unlikely that he really believed things would be so easy. He must have half-expected that someone would warn Richard to stay away. But if the barons would not come to the summons and still Pembroke could be broken with the strength of the mercenaries, Winchester would have gained as much.
These dismal thoughts were broken by Ferrars's unmirthful bark of laughter. "Mercenaries will avail him nothing. Still, I wish I knew where this would end. It is Winchesterall Winchesterand just when there is no Archbishop of Canterbury. If only there were another man such as Stephen Langton to curb Peter des Roches. . . ."
Geoffrey doubted that even the Pope could curb Peter des Roches, but Ferrars's remark had given him another idea. The king's faith was really quite strong. Perhaps there was some way to involve the Church, although thus far the bishops had been reluctant to combine against Winchester. For some, this was owing to a lack of courage, but the best of the high churchmen had more than enough spirit. The trouble was that these men were also truly religious and most careful to obey the dictum that what was Caesar's must be rendered unto Caesar. They would not interfere in the political management of the kingdom, except by pleading as impartial persons for mercy and justice. Still, Geoffrey liked his idea so much that he took it home to Ian and Alinor.
"It is a good thought," Alinor remarked, pursing her lips. "Roger of London and Robert of Salisbury are strong enough and can carry with them many weaker vessels, but they will need a cause that touches the

 
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