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"One must support one's host," Llewelyn replied with spurious gravity. "I will no doubt remonstrate with you for your thoughtlessness in visiting your old lord's brother at such an unsettled time, but I imagine I will forgive you. The young are thoughtless, and one cannot expect too much foresight or self-control from them." |
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"Perhaps, my lord, knowing that Richard's brother was my old master and that I would be interested in the subject, you might have commented to me on the situation, especially as it affects Gwynedd?" |
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At that innocent question, Llewelyn laughed aloud. "If I had, I would have remarked that it is very unwise for foreign troops to come into Walesnorth or south. It excites the rapacity of a people who are very poor, especially young men who see a chance to enrich themselves with goods that are not under their lord's protection. Unless that lord's protection should be sought specifically, there is little to hold them back. More than that, I cannot say at this time." |
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Although he was somewhat disappointed not to have a clearer commitment to bring to Richard, Simon had to accept that. He was, after all, only a messenger. He was neither of an age nor of sufficient rank to offer counsel to Prince Llewelyn, and he did not allow his head to be swelled by the fact that Llewelyn sometimes seemed to ask for his advice. It was more likely that his lord was testing his wisdom and loyalty than that he needed or wanted advice. Therefore, Simon accepted the dismissal inherent in Llewelyn's words. |
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"I will take my leave then, my lord. I must first ride to Krogen for men. You will find me there this night if you wish to give me further orders." |
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"Do not raise expectations I cannot fulfill," Llewelyn said with a sharp, admonitory glance. |
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"No, my lord, I will not," Simon promised, and bowed and strode away. |
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He stopped briefly to tell a manservant ter warn |
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