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Thus when David came to him and suggested riding out to hunt with a group of young men, Simon agreed without hesitation. They all enjoyed themselves, bringing down a handsome buck after a long chase. By the time the dogs were rewarded and the buck prepared, it was near dark, and they arrived too late for the evening meal. Rhiannon was not in the hall, but Simon was not really disappointed. He was quite happy to discuss the future raiding of King Henry's supply trains, even though it was highly unlikely that he would be free to participate in that profitable amusement. Several more men joined them, and altogether they had a most convivial evening, staggering off to bed very late, singing or giggling or cursing as drunkenness took them. |
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Several hours earlier, just before the women had gone to bed, Mallt approached Rhiannon and drew her aside. She whispered to Rhiannon her need for certain herbs which grew in the forest and needed to be plucked just as the sun rose for greatest efficacy. She did not know where they grew, Mallt said, but doubtless Rhiannon did. Rhiannon was tempted to laugh at her, but she restrained the impulse. She used herbs for healing, but she did not believe in their effectiveness to generate love. That, Kicva had taught her, came only from within the person. If it should be constrained by potions or magical practices, it was only a compulsion akin to hate, and was not love at all. |
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Still, Rhiannon knew Mallt was both jealous and a little fearful of her. If she laughed or refused, Mallt would never believe that it was because the herbs would be ineffective. She would only be convinced that Rhiannon was selfishly keeping her knowledge to herself. Rhiannon agreed, after only the smallest hesitation, to take Mallt into the forest to gather what she needed. And, not many hours after Simon had reeled into his bed, Rhiannon and Mallt rose from |
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