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"That I wish to chain you," Simon rejoined hotly, setting Rhiannon down on a convenient rock so he could look at her while they argued. "I do not go to war alone against all my enemies. That is all I ask of you." |
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Rhiannon looked so stricken at these words that Simon paused. "Have I so many enemies?" she asked softly. "I have never intended harm to any man or woman." |
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"Perhaps enemies is the wrong word," Simon allowed, and he could not help smiling as he added, "especially among the men. But" |
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"You need not fear that I will be taken by surprise again," Rhiannon said with a touch of bitterness. "I will not easily forget this, and I will be on my guard." |
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That was true. The frown of worry on Simon's face disappeared. He knew Rhiannon's woodcraft to be the equal of any Welsh huntsman's, which was to say a miracle of perceptiveness. There was always the danger of an arrow shot from concealment, but a whole army surrounding her could not really protect her from that kind of attack. Then his eyes narrowed. |
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"If you desire, I will say nothing to Prince Llewelyn," he agreed, "but neither will I lie to my overlord. If he questions me, I will tell him you bade me not to answer. Will this content you? However, I will not leave you alone. If you wish to walk into Aber on your own feet, I will wait with you until you are able. Of course, that means that Madog will most likely escape. He need only find a woodman's hut and say he was set upon by outlaws." |
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Rhiannon could see the wicked gleam between Simon's narrowed lids. Her own eyes glittered with rage for a moment, and then she burst out laughing. "Devil! Clever devil! You know I could not lie to my father any more than you could. And he will ask. You are quite right. Someone will tell him I am all bruised." She flexed her fingers weakly and set a foot to the |
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