WE DRAGGED THE LORD BALDWIN outside, forcing him at sword point to the castle gates.
Each soldier we passed looked on with dumbfounded shock. Some, no doubt eager to resist, looked to their liege for a sign, but at the sight of Baldwin's beaten eyes, and the bailiff, chamberlain, and chatelain trailing submissively behind, they held their weapons at their sides.
As we marched, stunned townspeople rushed to line the streets. They must have thought themselves hungover.
A few began to jeer.Look at Baldwin. It's what you deserve ,you greedy hog. There was laughing, and scraps of food and debris began to be thrown.
As we approached the walls, I saw that word must have traveled ahead. Soldiers were just staring at us, lances and bows held at their sides.
Tell them the battle is over. I pushed Baldwin forward. Tell them to lay down their arms and open the gate.
You can't expect them to stand by and let in that mob. Baldwin sniffed. They will be ripped to shreds.
Not a soul will be harmed; you have my word on it. Except, of course,you , I continued, pressing the sword in deeper, if you fail to comply. My guess is, not one of them would mind the sight of that very much.
Baldwin swallowed. Put down your arms, he said through gritted teeth.
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