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Page 258
Chapter 19
Owing to his various anxieties, Sir Heribert slept very ill. Moreover, Clyro keep was small and old. The wall chambers, unlike the tower chambers, were tiny and had only arrow slits for windows. With these stopped to keep out the cold, it was needful to leave the door to the hall open when there was a fire in the hearth or else choke to death. Thus, Sir Heribert was wakened early by an unusual bustle in the hall and, by chance, heard Edwina's voice exhorting the menservants to take down the clothes baskets with care.
Heribert sprang out of bed, thinking to arm himself, but then he lay down again. If murder was intended, he was a dead man; he could make no defense. But nothing happened at all. At his regular time, then, Sir Heribert emerged to find his hosts seated at table, wearing traveling clothes, Sir Walter full-armed, and breaking their fast more liberally than usual.
Walter stood up to greet him and invite him to table and, when they were both seated, said, "I must beg your pardon for leaving thus, without due warning, but I lost count of the days"
"And I did not remind him," Sybelle put in pertly, "for it was a pleasure to me to bide here in peace and good company, and I know the journey to my uncle is no more than a day's ride."
"Sybelle, let me say what must be said in good order," Walter protested. "My betrothed has long given her promise to spend the holy feast day of Christmas with her uncle and his new-wedded wife. I am sorry I cannot ask you to accompany us, Heribert, but you may know that Simon de Vipont is vassal to the lord of Gwynedd, and his wife, Lady Rhiannon, is Llewelyn's daughter. In these times they are not healthy company for you."

 
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