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open where Richard's army, hopefully, could destroy it. Then, provided Richard's forces had not been too badly mauled, they would rush northward, join with Llewelyn's men, who would make up, at least in numbers, for those lost fighting Monmouth's army, and attack Shrewsbury. Doubtless, Llewelyn hoped that the king's forces would be so shocked and discouraged from the beating they had taken that they would not come to Shrewsbury's aid. |
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There was nothing treacherous about the plan, Walter thoughtexcept the devious way it was arranged. It would provide Richard with an opportunity to strike a telling blow, and it would save Llewelyn from any risk at all. Few or none of his forces would be involved in the battle with Monmouth's army. Walter's attention came back in the middle of a sentence. |
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Llewelyn was saying, " . . . need near-perfect timing. You must take your men out within a day or two of when Monmouth is ready to move. You cannot lie too long in ambush, for there is too much chance Monmouth's patrols will happen upon some sign that would warn him." |
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"Yes, indeed," Richard agreed cheerfully, "but that should be possible with Simon's men on the watch. I suppose I may count on them?" |
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Llewelyn nodded, but he was frowning. "I do not think it would be helpful, however, to offer you more than a few hundred archers. My men, as you know, are ill-prepared to fight a standing battle. At the moment of surprise the archers would be of use to you, but the common men-at-arms would be cut down like chaff. Worse yet, they would likely run away and thus do you more harm than good." |
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Richard accepted that with a curt yes. He was not much concerned, Walter could see, with what help Llewelyn would give. He was too satisfied, also, with the result of John of Monmouth's knowledge or guess about his plans to question the cause. To Walter it almost seemed as if Llewelyn could lead Richard to dance to any piping he chose. Involuntarily, Walter shuddered. Simon put out his hand and drew him nearer the fire. The movement caused both Richard and Llewelyn to look at the pair. |
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"By God's teeth," Richard exclaimed, "I had forgot that you two have ridden nearly sixty miles today. Go to bed, both of you. You have heard the meat of the matter already." |
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