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When he had heard them out, he said, "You cannot go, Simon. You must take this opportunity to present Lady Rhiannon to the king. It would look too strange for Lord Geoffrey and Lord Ian to have craved such an audience and then for you not to bring her, even if there is no need for her services now, since Henry cannot plan to attack Wales. By the time this is over, any and all intermediaries will be welcome. I will go to Pembroke." |
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"Walter is right," Geoffrey stated, thinking with his usual clarity now that he had found his balance. "I will write the entire tale, and Walter will carry it to Richard. There will be no doubt in Richard's mind if the warning comes from me. Moreover, it is my right and duty as one of the guarantors of the king's action." |
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"Your right and duty, true," Ian warned, "but do not cut off your nose to spite our faces. You are our best lead to the king. If he hears of this . . ." |
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"Why should he?" Walter asked. "I will not speak of it, nor will anyone here. Pembroke will not, either." |
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"Just a minute," Adam said. "As soon as Pembroke takes back Usk, Henry will call a levy and begin the war anew." |
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"Yes, and at that time I will withdraw, as will we all. I do not think there will be many who support the king this time." Geoffrey paused; then his eyes narrowed. "May I be damned for a fool!" |
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"I have never known you to be a fool," Gilliane gasped, "and if you are thinking what has suddenly come into my mind" |
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"Apurpose!" Sybelle's young voice was hard, and her face had set into lines that made Walter de Clare's eyes bulge. "Winchester intended to bring the barons to refuse their service." |
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"Child," Ian reproved, "you do not understand. There is sense in forcing the barons to obey, regardless of their desire, but" |
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