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The_Complete_Chronicles_of_Narnia_(volumes_1-7,_in_order_of_publication)

The_Complete_Chronicles_of_Narnia_(volumes_1-7,_in_order_of_publication)

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"Why, if not, we should be as able to w<strong>in</strong> it without the K<strong>in</strong>g's grace as with him. For I<br />

need not tell your Lordship that Miraz is no very great capta<strong>in</strong>. And after that, we should<br />

be both victorious and k<strong>in</strong>gless."<br />

"And it is your mean<strong>in</strong>g, my Lord, that you and I could hold this land quite as<br />

conveniently without a K<strong>in</strong>g as with one?"<br />

Glozelle's face grew ugly. "Not forgett<strong>in</strong>g," said he, "that it was we who first put him on<br />

the throne. And <strong>in</strong> all the years that he has enjoyed it, what fruits have come our way?<br />

What gratitude has he shown us?"<br />

"Say no more," answered Sopespian. "But look - herd comes one to fetch us to the K<strong>in</strong>g's<br />

tent." `<br />

When they reached Miraz's tent they saw Edmund and his two companions seated outside<br />

it and be<strong>in</strong>g enterta<strong>in</strong>ed with cakes and w<strong>in</strong>e, hav<strong>in</strong>g already delivered the challenge, and<br />

withdrawn while the K<strong>in</strong>g was consider<strong>in</strong>g it. When they saw them thus at close quarters<br />

the two Telmar<strong>in</strong>e lords thought all three <strong>of</strong> them very alarm<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Inside, they found Miraz, unarmed and f<strong>in</strong>ish<strong>in</strong>g his breakfast. His face was flushed and<br />

there was a scowl on his brow.<br />

"<strong>The</strong>re!" he growled, fl<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g the parchment across the table to them. "See what a pack <strong>of</strong><br />

nursery tales our jackanapes <strong>of</strong> a nephew has sent us."<br />

"By your leave, Sire," said Glozelle. "If the young warrior whom we have just seen<br />

outside is the K<strong>in</strong>g Edmund mentioned <strong>in</strong> the writ<strong>in</strong>g, then I would not call him a nursery<br />

tale but a very dangerous knight."<br />

"K<strong>in</strong>g Edmund, pah!" said Miraz. "Does your Lordship believe those old wives' fables<br />

about Peter and Edmund and the rest?"<br />

"I believe my eyes, your Majesty," said Glozelle.<br />

"Well, this is to no purpose," said Miraz, "but as touch<strong>in</strong>g the challenge, I suppose there<br />

is only one op<strong>in</strong>ion between us?"<br />

"I suppose so, <strong>in</strong>deed, Sire," said Glozelle.<br />

"And what is that?" asked the K<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

"Most <strong>in</strong>fallibly to refuse it," said Glozelle. "For though I have never been called a<br />

coward, I must pla<strong>in</strong>ly say that to meet that young man <strong>in</strong> battle is more than my heart<br />

would serve me for. And if (as is likely) his brother, the High K<strong>in</strong>g, is more dangerous<br />

than he why, on your life, my Lord K<strong>in</strong>g, have noth<strong>in</strong>g to do with him."

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