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Excusing himself but nonetheless firmly, the captain of the patrol relieved Sion and Twm of everything that could conceivably be a weapon and bound their feet beneath their horses' bellies and their hands to the saddles. This indignity was not forced upon Rhiannon, but she was as securely bound as her men because, in spite of their urging that she escape, she would not leave them. |
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Until Rhiannon saw the keep itself, she had been uselessly castigating herself for her lunacy in leaving Builth, but she had not been personally afraid. As soon as she identified herself, she knew she would be treated with the utmost courtesy. When she saw Grosmount, however, she realized that, respect or no respect, she would be asked what she was doing in the area. And even if she told them nothing, her very presence would proclaim that her father must be somewhere near. |
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Not only that, she would be a prisoner and would remain one until the war was over. Simon might be brought to heel by her predicament, and he would love her no better for placing him in such a position. And if the king tried to use her as a bargaining counter, her father would be so angry that he would probably plead with Henry to drop her down the deepest castle well that could be found. Better, far better, to suffer whatever indignity was necessary now. It could not be long before the attack took place. Surely during that confusion she would be able to escape. |
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"Twm, tell them I am Rhiannon, wife of Pwyll, if they ask," she called out in Welsh, "and that my husband put me away because I am barren. You were taking me home to my father, Heffydd Hen. You know the place and the rest of the tale." |
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"What are you saying? What are you saying?" the captain of the guard demanded angrily. |
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"I told them to tell the truth if they are questioned, that we have nothing to hide. I am Rhiannon, wife of |
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