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Page 28
at the May Day festival. How is it that you were not there, my lady?"
She did not answer him at once, but stood staring. "You hold Dinas Emrys that looks over the Vale of Waters?"
"Yes. It is the most beautiful place in the world, is it not? From the keep I can look down Nant Gwynant until I feel the soul drawn out of me into the blue distance."
"You love it," Rhiannon said. It was a statement, not a question.
"The best of all my holds," Simon confirmed. "Although each is dear to me in a special way."
"Do you hear nothing in the winds that play around Emrys rock?" Rhiannon asked, her eyes fathomless.
"Perhaps, but nothing that I need fear," Simon replied. "I am no unwelcome conqueror to this landin spite of what Gruffydd said. Llewelyn gave the lands to my father out of love and trust. I was squire to William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, and served in south Wales, but my heart has always been herewhich is why my father ceded the lands to me while he yet lives. But you did not answer me, Lady Rhiannon. Why have I never seen you in your father's court before?"
"Because, I suppose, you came in spring or summer. I am seldom at any keep then. I go to my mother's place, Angharad's Hall, in the hills, after the New Year's festival in March. Why are you here in the dead of winter, Sir Simon?"
"The lands are mine now, and I must oversee them in all seasons. I will be here in Wales alwaysexcept at such short times as I visit my family."
There was an odd expression in Rhiannon's face, approval mingled with apprehension; however, all she said was, "You say so, but you will soon tire of our barbaric ways and hie you back to the softer air of England."
Simon laughed. "No one can know the future, but

 
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