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"As to the lastno," Geoffrey replied, smiling grimly. "I should not laugh, but I cannot help it. I warned both Henry and Winchester, and they would not listen. The Flemish were badly hit by raids twice already and have lost half their supplies. The ballistas and mangonels were burnt" Geoffrey stopped speaking abruptly and cocked an eye at Simon. "Now that is a strange thing," he went on. "I have never known a raiding party to bother with siege weapons unless the war was their own." |
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Simon lowered his eyes. "I am Llewelyn's man. Do not expect me to answer you." |
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That, of course, was the answer. Simon knew Geoffrey would understand. Geoffrey ran his hands through his hair. "What terms do you think Richard would take?" he asked. |
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If Llewelyn was involved, Geoffrey had much less hope for the successful outcome of the attack on Usk, as the question indicated. Simon was relieved to see that his brother-by-marriage was not at all depressed by this information. In fact, he seemed rather more cheerful. |
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"You must understand first that I have not discussed this with Richard at all, so I am not sure about anything. However, if any reasonable truce is offered, I do not think Richard will refuse. As to particular terms, I do not believe he will demand more than that a council be held to examine the merits of his case and Bassett's and that the king agree to give judgment only according to the decision of the council. Maybe he will also ask that the King's ministers be dismissed, but I do not think so." |
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"It will not be possible to prevent an attack on Usk," Geoffrey said thoughtfully, "but if the attack is resisted firmly, the king may become less adamant. He is not, as you know, patient or determined. If a thing does not fall into his hand like a ripe apple, he shakes the tree, then loses his temper and kicks the tree. Having |
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