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momentarily. He would not need to see her again for some time if peace were made. Richard would take his wife to court, no doubt, and then settle her somewhere while he restored order to lands disorganized by war. Meanwhile, Walter would be busy on his own estates and visiting Roselynde lands. |
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Again a wave of oppression passed over him, but more lightly, and it was mixed with a sense of pride. It was a great thing to be thought worthy by such men as Lord Ian and Lord Geoffrey. Anyway, if peace came, the burden would not be dumped on him. He would have time to get to know the people and ease slowly into the duties. |
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Walter turned on his side and pulled the covers up over his shoulders. It was all in the future, and the future was in God's hands. Tomorrow alone was close enough to count on what would happen surely, and tomorrow would be a day of freedom and amusement. They should be back in Clifford by dinnertime, and after eating he would ride over to Clyro. Probably Sybelle would not arrive until the next day, but Sir Roland would not mind his coming earlier. A frown creased Walter's brow briefly. Should he have written to Sir Roland to warn him of their coming? He yawned sleepily. It was too late now, and he would be too busy in the morning. Sir Roland knew him well enough not to be troubled by an unannounced visit. |
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And, indeed, the first part of the morrow held exactly to the plan made for it. All the men Bassett could mount rode out of Clifford soon after Lauds, which Walter attended with a distinct sense of pleasure since he had no duties among the men. Their arrival at Almondbury was timed to coincide with the early confusion of breaking fast and morning tasks, and they succeeded even better than they expected, reaching the manor just as the gates were opened to permit the entry of a small herd of cattle. Not that they had been worried about the simple gates of the manor, but not to need to breach them saved time and labor and, perhaps, a few wounds from arrows. |
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They charged across the fields, shouting and laughing, driving the cattle before them so the few defenders of Almondbury could not close the gate. After that it was all as easy as a brawl at a fair. They cut down the few who dared |
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