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he asked, jumping out of bed and coming closer. |
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"Nothing," Simon said, feeling much surprised until Geoffrey gingerly touched his face. Then he laughed. "Soot and grease, Brother, soot and grease. Did you expect me to walk through the lines in a white satin robe?" |
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"I did not expect you to walk through the lines at all. Is that how you came?" There was a note of relief in Geoffrey's voice. |
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"Of course. I do not intend anyone to know I am here. It would be unwise. I am with Richard at Usk." |
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"Fool! Why did you let yourself be trapped there?" |
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"I was not trapped," Simon replied indignantly, but Geoffrey had turned to reach for his traveling case of wine and the movement had brought the light of the night candle more clearly on his face. It was so haggard that Simon's heart smote him. "Is Papa well?" he asked anxiously. |
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Geoffrey waved him to a seat on a camp stool. "Yes . . . in his health, but . . . It was by God's gift that you left London when you did. A day later, or perhaps it was two days, when the news came to Henry that Richard had come and gone, he demanded hostages." |
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"Do not be a fool. My sons are already in his service. From Ian." |
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"From Papa?" Simon asked with amazement, then laughed. "But who?" |
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"Henry wanted you or Adam, but more you, I believe. Thank God William was serving wine in the room and heard the whole. He slipped out and warned Adam to be gone at once." |
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"First he asked the king why hostages were needed from a man who had been faithful to his father. Everyone knows how John tried to have Ian killed and that he tried to take your mother. Still, Ian held to his oath. Then Ian said he would be his own hostage, give |
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