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Page 315
as you know, is a strong keep, but there were times when I thought that my mother and father would have it down around our ears by their violence. Yet surely you must see they love each other."
"You did not listen. It was not the quarrel that distressed me but what I felt before it. What did you hunt yesterday, Simon?"
He looked at her in considerable surprise but would not chance angering her again and answered simply, "A stag. We lost two before we finally killed. I could not divert those idiots no matter what I said. And then"
"I was sure it was a doe."
"There is no harm in taking a doe in this season," Simon said with a slight frown of puzzlement. "Do you have some special feeling about it, my love? I will swear, if you like, to hold does sacred."
"A two-legged doe, Simon," Rhiannon said pointedly, with a bitter twist to her lips.
Simon stared at her, his mouth partly open on further words that were not relevant. Then he laughed. "You are ridiculous! How could you dream such a thing? I had you the night before. I could look forward to loving you the very next night. Even if I felt such a desirewhich I assure you I did not; I am no satyryou must think ill of me indeed if you believe I could not master myself for so short a time."
"I do not think ill of you. In my mind I knew every word you have just saidand knew the words were true. Nonetheless, Simon, I suffered as cruelly as if you had betrayed me."
"But Rhiannon"
"I cannot bear it, Simon. I cannot! I absolve you of your oath. I do not wish to know or care"
"You cannot absolve me of my oath. If you wish to withdraw yours, I cannot stop you. And if I have you, it must be with honor. If I cannot have you, then I will remain celibate as a priest until I am too old to care,

 
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