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Page 355
would come prepared to talk for a while. Then, even if Marie had overestimated her power to bring him to Hay without an escort and tempt him into bedSir Heribert had his doubts about that, having seen how beautiful Sybelle wasthe troop should arrive in time to kill Walter and the men he brought with him.
Although some of Heribert's doubts were justified, Marie was not really taking any chances. She was not altogether a fool and did understand that to tell a man she was certain he could not resist her was to waken that resistance. Despite having misinterpreted the reason for Walter's softness toward her, she knew how to use it; her letter was a masterpiece of hints and fears. It had taken her all the rest of that day to compose, but was well worth the effort.
While she was engaged in that task, Heribert rode back to Clifford and, with due care not to run into Walter, instructed his troop to ride out at the same time as the raiding party left. Thus, hopefully, no one would notice their going. They, however, were to take the opposite direction, pass Hay, and take over the shepherd's shelter about a mile farther down the road. They could take their easewhatever ease they could find in so rough a lodgingfor that day and the next morning, but after that they were to be armed and ready to ride back to Hay at a moment's notice.
The following day the letter was sent off with two menone to deliver the missive as soon as Sybelle was known to be in the keep and then ride back to tell Sir Heribert, the other to carry the news of Walter's coming. As soon as Walter arrived in Clyro, Marie, Heribert, and three of his men would move down to Hay.

Sybelle and her party started for Clyro soon after Walter left Oxford. Sir John had protested mildly that there was no urgency; it would be better, he thought, to leave the next day because only a few hours of daylight remained. In response, Sybelle pointed out blandly that. the weather was fine at present and one could not rely on good traveling weather at that time of year. It was good to take advantage of dry roads while it was possible. Sir John and his wife exchanged glances, and the lady sighed. They knew Sybelle; this would he no easy journey, and Sir John's wife was sure she would be very saddle-sore and tired of riding pillion before they arrived.

 
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