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or four men-at-arms from the keep for protection and ride away with him at once. I almost believed him because he said your father had told him where we were." |
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"My father!" Simon was shocked, but then realized that Ian would not have expected them to stay so long, particularly if he had hinted about de Burgh. . . . But that was not important now. Simon dismissed it from his mind as he considered the present problem. He tried several interpretations but only one seemed at all reasonable. |
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"Winchester did mean to take you hostage, Rhiannon," he said finally. "The troop he sent is large enoughto his mind anywayto overpower my Welsh. Probably he intended to take me, too, and make Mama and Papa and the others dance on a string to his tugging. I wonder whether the king knows of this." |
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"I do not think so, Simon," Rhiannon said slowly. "Partly it is because hehe is an artist and respects that in me. Truly, he would not wish to still my song by confinement. But also, I think King Henry knows my father too well to believe holding me would do any good. He knows Llewelyn would only turn vicious. Winchester thinks likelike" |
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"An ignorant Frenchman. Yes. Very likely you are right, but it does not help, really. If the king does not know, Winchester will keep the secret as long as he can and then convince Henry that letting us go would be more dangerous than holding us longer." Rhiannon shuddered, and he put his arm around her. "They would do us no harm. I am sure of that." |
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Her eyes had a wild look when they turned up to his. "To be caged like an animal would do me no harm? I would go mad!" |
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"I would not like it much either," Simon agreed. "But since there is no longer any chance of such a happening, do not think of it and frighten yourself |
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