|
|
|
|
|
|
Rhiannon listened with downcast eyes, thinking quickly. It was possible that what Sir Roger said was true. Even'though her last exchange with Henry implied that he did not regard her as a political person, that did not preclude the possibility of his wishing to send a message to Llewelyn by her. However, there were too many sour notes in Sir Roger's litany. One was the excessive need for speed. Why? Simon said it would be some weeks before an army could be assembled, and he was in no particular hurry to get back to Wales. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There was another false note. "How did the king know where to send you?" Rhiannon asked. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Lord Ian told us you were going to Kingsclere." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Lord Ian," Rhiannon echoed. If Ian knew, then it was certainly necessary for her to go, Rhiannon thought. "Yes, I will come," she said, "but it is ridiculous for Simon to follow us. He will be here tomorrow, and I can ride as fast as any man." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"But we must start at once," Sir Roger insisted. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"No!" Sir Henry cried. "It is dark. You cannot ride all night, my dear. You will be cold and wet. It is raining. Wait for Simon. He knows these lands and can take you crosscountry to save time." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"You know nothing of the king's needs, old man," Sir Roger snapped harshly. "Hold your tongue!" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rhiannon had almost been swept away by the man's urgency, but the way Sir Henry shrank from the lash in his voice enraged her. Then two realizations occurred to her simultaneously. The first was that what Sir Henry said was true. Simon could save them more time than could be gained by riding on a black, wet night. The second was that she had not the slightest interest in preventing her father from joining forces with Pembroke. It was what Simon'wanted him to do, and, from all she had learned, it was probably the best thing for him to do. Regardless of the king's hurry, then, she was in no hurry. She patted Sir Henry's hand. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"No, I will not go tonight. I have no intention of |
|
|
|
|
|