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Page 46
"They will never unite." Winchester sneered, misunderstanding why Ian had ignored his reference to Richard Marshal. "If they could not unite against John, who had such faults of person that he was hated, they surely will not unite against Henry, who is not flawed as his father was. Now you listen to my warning, Lord Ian. Henry will rule this land of himself, without let or hindrance from his vassals, who, by God's will, derive all their power only from the king."
"And where will the king's strength come from, if not from the support of his vassals?" Ian asked, lifting his brows.
"From those who are paid to obey, who understand that the king made them and can unmake them."
"From where will the money come to pay them?" Ian asked sardonically. Taxation was not in the king's hands and Winchester knew that. In the end it was that power which had to be seized, of course, but the country would need to be reduced to abject surrender first and, for that, money would be needed before the surrender.
"From the dues owing to the king, which will come to him instead of slipping into this sheriff's coffers and that bailiff's purseor not being paid at all through the taking of bribes or giving of favors." This time it was Winchester's voice that rose in passion.
Ian did not reply. Again there was enough truth in the claim to preclude a simple denial, and this was not the time for explanations and qualifications that Winchester knew perfectly well.
"You will not achieve it." Ian sighed. "You will bring us to warbrother against brother, father against son."
"If it must be, it must be," Winchester said, his face set like flint. "Lord Ian, we have known each other long, and I see that you mean well. I am not blind to the selfish anger of the barons. It is they who are blind. When all are obedient, the king will be a mild

 
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