|
|
|
|
|
|
power. Moreover, Richard feared that Prince Llewelyn was one who would have applauded event the least savory of her devices with enthusiasm. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Knowing that the discussion was causing Richard considerable mental anguish, Walter was puzzled by the signs of repressed laughter. Yet somehow there was a cast to Richard's expression that implied a certain trepidation as well as mirth. Combined with what Walter had heard that morning from Geoffrey, the reference to Lady Alinor gave him food for serious thought. However, he was distracted from these faintly ominous implications by the need to attend to what Llewelyn was saying. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"You will want to know, of course, why I chose Shrewsbury rather than another place," Llewelyn said, having seen the effect of his challenge about the support of God for the righteous and being too wise to wait for a response. "I will admit that some of my reasons are selfish. These I will give at once: Shrewsbury is rich, and Shrewsbury is convenient for my forces, most of whom are afoot. But these are not my only reasons. Shrewsbury is ill-prepared for attack, so it will fall with less cost to us. In addition, it is far enough from King Henry, who lies at Gloucester, to serve two further purposes: It will make it more difficult for him to bring an army to Shrewsbury's aidand it cannot be considered any direct personal threat by our combined forces against the king himself." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Walter barely prevented himself from whistling with admiration at that particular thrust. He doubted strongly that Llewelyn cared a pin whether or not Henry felt personally threatened, but he was equally sure that Richard did care. Walter looked at the earl's face. Richard's eyes were fixed on Llewelyn, and there was in them both calculation and understanding. Pembroke's expression relieved Walter of the doubts that had been raised in his mind earlier in the discussion about warning the earl of Prince Llewelyn's deviousness. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It was reasonably apparent to Walter that Richard did not believe in Llewelyn's sudden concern for Henry's feelings any more than Walter himself did; still, Richard was ready to acknowledge the truth of the reasoning and the fact that it was compelling to him. Llewelyn's face was impassive; he knew, Walter thought, that Richard did not believe he cared, but the point had been made, and that was what was important. |
|
|
|
|
|