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south to Grosmount in the north, all in the control of Poitevins. It had made the area too dangerous for Pembroke to raid seriously, and there were probably supplies for the army there. Simon did not think Henry had pressed the Poitevins hard during the preceding campaign. Now they would have to victual his armyand that would mean a stay of a day or two, surely time enough for Llewelyn to mount a surprise attack that might be very profitable indeed. Simon went to watch Grosmount himself, taking his horse. |
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To Ymlladd, twenty miles was nothing. As soon as Simon was sure the army was settling down in the fields surrounding the keep at Grosmount, he set out for Builth. Shortly after compline he was reporting to Pembroke and Llewelyn. Fortunately, neither of them had yet been asleep, and those other leaders who were, were roused as soon as the significance of Simon's news was understood. There was an avaricious glitter in Llewelyn's eyes and trouble in Pembroke's by the time Simon had emptied his budget. |
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"I do not wish to attack without provocation," Pembroke began. |
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"I do." Llewelyn's voice cut off any further protest. "This is an opportunity to do us much good and the king's forces much harm with little bloodshed. If you will not come in your own person, so be it. Let the blame fall on me. However, you have just made an agreement to prosecute a war" |
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"Only to fight if attacked. For the king to march his army here and there is no attack." |
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"My lord," Gilbert Bassett put in, "I know that much of your trouble is on my account, and I should be accepting of your rule in gratitude, but the king's intention is clear. Really, you go too far in patience." |
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"The king in his own person is there," Richard said. |
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There was a soft sound, almost like a pack of beasts snarling. Richard sighed. It was all too obvious that no one agreed with him, that all had abandoned hope |
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