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because he brought a letter from Llewelyn that needs consideration by all of us." |
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Simon blinked. He had not expected so direct an attack nor so soon. However, he realized instantly that Kicva had no choice but to mention the letter at once. He began to soak pieces of bread in a bowl of ragout and scoop it hungrily into his mouth. Rhiannon, he knew, had cast a suspicious glance at him, but he paid no attention. He would follow Kicva's lead. |
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She said, "Did Simon have a chance to tell you how the affair between Pembroke and the king was endedif it has ended?" |
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Rhiannon blushed. Simon choked. There was not the slightest change of expression on Kicva's face, although she made a small gesture of the hand that implied her daughter and Simon should not be fools. |
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"Ah, well," she continued indulgently, "you are young. Stop stuffing your face for a moment, Simon, and tell us now." |
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"It will take more than a moment," Simon said indignantly, his mouth full of food. |
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"I do not desire a blow-by-blow description of each battle, only an overall picture of the teRms of the truce." |
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Simon chewed and swallowed and embarked on a summary from which Kicva picked the salient points. |
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"Yes, indeed," she said, "I see very clearly why Llewelyn is so disturbed. If the king holds by his word with Pembroke, he can use the large force both have amassed to attack Wales." |
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"No!" Simon exclaimed, almost choking on a new mouthful of food. "Richard would never agree." |
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"He might argue against it," Kicva said, "but what could he do? Turn rebel again? He has sworn no oath to Llewelyn; they have no formal agreement that forbids the one to make peace without the other, or that forbids one to attack the other. What excuse could Pembroke make to refuse the king's demand?" |
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