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Prince Llewelyn's aims, however, were different. He certainly wished to see Henry dismiss ministers who had so strong a taste for absolute power. Such men were insatiable. Having reduced England to submission, they would at once turn their eyes to any land that was not already in their control. However, there were any number of roads that would lead to that point, and Llewelyn wished to take the road that would lead to the enrichment of his eternally impoverished people and treasury. |
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"Nonetheless," Prince Llewelyn continued, "had it been possible to attack Monmouth while the garrison was still reduced, I assure you I would have lent what aid I could." |
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Richard looked up at him, plainly surprised, and Llewelyn nodded. |
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"One must support one's allies," he went on in response to Pembrokes's expression. |
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Walter was certain the impression of sincerity that came across with Llewelyn's statement was false, but he gave no sign. He was not even sure that he would tell Richard later what he felt. Walter was positive that, at this time, Prince Llewelyn's purposes would forward Richard's cause better than Richard's own plans. It would be stupid, then to arouse any doubt in Pembroke's mind about his ally. And then Llewelyn's next statement wiped away the twinge of guilt Walter felt at concealing anything from the earl. |
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"Of course," Llewelyn was saying blandly, "what help I could have given would not have been much. My people are not trained or armed for the taking of keeps. We can only make up in lost lives the lack of armor and weapons. Thus, I must admit that I am not sorry the question of taking Monmouth keep can no longer arise." |
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"Because the garrison has been replaced and more than replaced. Baldwin de Guisnes is still hanging between life and death, I understand, but John of Monmouth himself is now in the keep. He brought many men with him, and more are coming each day. I believe something is brewing there, but we will know in good time." |
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Llewelyn looked at the earl with surprise at that question. "Was it not by your order that Sir Walter here wrote to Simon and asked him to have Monmouth watched?" |
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