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Page 96
Simon vaulted into the saddle and curbed the horse fiercely. Rhiannon realized at once what she had done and stopped abruptly. She understood animals, and it was also too late to do anything about Simon. If he did not wish to speak to her, he would ride away; there was no use in running after him. Since her dignity would be rather damaged if he rode away, Rhiannon turned, as if she were about to return to the hall.
Simon brought his horse under control just in time to see Rhiannon's move. He spurred the beast forward, bent from the saddle, and pulled her up in front of him. Madog sprang forward, but the cry of alarm on his lips changed to a low curse as he saw Rhiannon turn toward her abductor, laughing, and throw her arms around his neck.
Although he was delighted with this reaction. Simon did not curb the speed of his destrier, but merely directed him toward the gate. They galloped through and away, then turned north where, after a quarter of a mile of forested land, a series of coves broke the headlands fronting the ocean.
''You must listen, Rhiannon," Simon began.
Simultaneously, Rhiannon said, "Simon, try to understand"
Laughter followed naturally and the destrier stumbled, which was not surprising at the pace he was going with the weight so oddly distributed. Relieved of his fear that Rhiannon was unwilling to talk to him, Simon gave his attention to his horse. Equally reassured, Rhiannon relaxed and allowed Simon to go where he wanted while he slowed the animal to a trot and then to a walk. At last she asked curiously where Simon was taking her.
"I have not the faintest idea," he responded cheerfully. "Anywhere, so long as we are not likely to be interrupted." He paused and then added seriously. "We really must come to an understanding. I do not know how much longer I will be permitted to stay. You

 
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