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A fine Arras tapestry hung on the opposite wall His brother had brought it back frouildhall in Rouen and had been seized when the English retook the city Harald wanted it moved to a place of safety Guy wouldn't hear of it For him the tapestry was not a work of art It was a war trophy and belonged in the family hall Harald hoped that, one day, he would be able to return it to its rightful owners

He hated the war His own ancestors can of Edward I In those far off days, the people of that region didn't think of theht of theiance was to their province and their lord They were proud that their lord was King of England That didn't lishquite the contrary

Now things were different The people of England had adopted a haughty attitude towards the people of France And the people of France had started to think of themselves as French Joan of Arc had shown the way The French king couldn't unite theirl did Men flocked to her banner Seven years ago, they inflicted a crushing defeat on the English at Orleans

His irl to go away?'

'What girl?'

'The one you told to leave'

'I don't approve of debauchery, Mother'

'Harald, I've just hired that wench' She gave hi look that had never failed to intio into the hall and collect the clothes for washing The next thing I know is you've dismissed her'

'I'm sorry' Harald's face flushed 'I didn't realise …'

'You had the poor girl in tears'

'I shall explain to her …'

'No Harald You stay away froe of this house You're responsible for the estate'

She reached inside a sirdle and removed a folded sheet of paper 'This came from your father while you were away He wants to knohat you're doing about William's inheritance'

'The ery Gascoigne looked as if she was about to explode 'You're playing into their hands Your father wouldn't tolerate such nonsensenor would your brother'

'It is a e contract'