be happy he made it_, Simon thought.

* * * * *

Later, as they walked together through the gray stone halls of the
bishop of Avignon's palace, Charles struck Simon on the shoulder. The
blow threw Simon off stride, reminding him how strong Charles was.

"You did it, boy, you tipped the balance for me when you pointed out
what might happen if the pope dies," Charles said with a grin. "I was
quite angry with you until then."

"I had a feeling you were, uncle," he said.

Charles's nail-studded boots clicked on the stone floor of the corridor.
"Have you forgotten that if it were not for me, you would still be
growing cobwebs at Gobignon?"

"No, uncle, I have not forgotten."

"Then why did you take the pope's letter to my brother without telling
me about it?"

Simon felt a dull heat in his face. Somewhere in the back of his mind he
had always known that Uncle Charles would want to be told first about
any messages passing between the pope and the king. But, feeling it
would be wrong, Simon had pretended to himself that he knew no such
thing.

"It was my duty to take it promptly to the king," said Simon, looking
straight ahead.

Charles suddenly stopped walking. "Simon," he said, forcing Simon to
stop, turn, and look at him.

"Simon, do not let your idea of duty make you forget your loyalty to me.
I helped raise you as a boy. I gave you this opportunity to bring honor
to your house. I will be offering you even greater opportunities."

"I have not forgotten, uncle," Simon said again.

"I do not suppose you know how to unseal and reseal a royal document?"

Simon felt his blood heat with anger.

"No, uncle." He did not feel strong enough to denounce Charles, but he
tried to put disapproval into his voice. "I have never heard of anyone
doing such a thing."

"Pas mal. Too bad." Charles's round eyes were heavy-lidded with
contempt. "Well, I must leave at once to begin squeezing the money for
this campaign out of my subjects. Especially since I have given up my
claim to Provence. I cannot wait around to see who my brother thinks
should be pope. I am sure he will make a good choice."

"I am sure he will," said Simon frostily.

_I pray God it is not de Verceuil himself._

Again the heavy blow on his shoulder, both comradely and threatening.
"Well, then. In the future when you have important news, make sure I am
the first one to hear it."

Simon felt hotter still. Uncle Charles wa