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closer to our goal, and I think Lady Rhiannon will be more comfortable there." |
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He looked around and did not see her. Bassett had been so concentrated on what Simon was offering that he had not heard Rhiannon move away. Now he had a moment of anxiety, wondering whether the men in his camp would take her for a new drab that had arrived. He wondered whether he dared tell Simon to hint that she had better be careful of her dress, but when Simon called and she came out of his tent, Bassett breathed a sigh of relief. Her skirt was down, her hair bound in a tight net, and her look was that of a perfect lady. |
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Indeed, Rhiannon's manner was so ordinary that Bassett began to find all sorts of reasons for the brief vision he had had of her as something different. In fact, he almost forgot about her entirely because she was so quiet the entire time the details of the rescue were being discussed. Simon's men and those who would pretend to be guards were chosen. The mechanics of entering the church, searching out the three prisoners, and convincing them it was not a trap were outlined. This last had involved Bassett personally in the business. He did not hesitate to offer himself. By now he was convinced there was a good chance of success, and Richard Siward would lead his men until his brother could take them over if the mission failed. All was smooth as silk until the escape was planned. |
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"It comes to this," Bassett said. "Is it less dangerous to send enough men to carry all three a substantial distance or to have the horses close enough?" |
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"Why should it be dangerous to have the horses close so long as they are out of sight?" Rhiannon asked. |
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Bassett smiled indulgently at so innocent a question. His mind had already rationalized the brief, impossible vision of Rhiannon with her hand on the great, vicious destrier's neck and a whole troop of horses following docilely as sheep. |
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"Because a single snort or whinny would warn the |
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