As Pascal was being shown the dungeon, Duc Leogard had summoned Sir Pealot back to him. Pealot had a feeling that the Lord would call him back soon, and had sent one of his pages to tell the merchants about the sale of the foodstuffs. Pealot was found just after passing the message on and went back to Leogard's chamber. As he entered, he was greeted by a smiling Leogard and it struck him as odd.
"Sir Pealot, you have seen first hand, and on several occasions, how I deal with villagers who do not follow rules. This is one occasion, however, that I am unsure on my decisions. There is something that needs to be said about Pascal."
"What is it, Lordship? Do you want me to cancel the sale of the foodstuffs?"
"No! That decision stands, because we need to fill the coffers for my upcoming attack on our neighbors to the far north with the help of Lord Sinclair. No, my uncertainty is the threat of the dungeon for Pascal."
"Yes, Lord, what is it?"
"Pascal is not just a villager. He was brought up in the village by his father, but not since birth. He was raised in the castle, with me until the age of five. He doesn't remember that. But I do."
"I see. But Sire, what does this have to do with your decision?"
"I am getting there Pealot. Pascal is not a mere villager, as I said. He is my brother."
"What Lordship? There is no way that is true. Your father would have never allowed that to happen."
"He didn't. My mother was smitten with Pascal's father. While my father was away attacking Rebels in the eastern provinces, my mother called for Pascal's father. He came to the castle expecting to be sent to my father with a message from his wife. When he got here, the chambermaid sent him to my mother's bedchamber. He arrived and found her on the bed naked. He requested his letter to Duc Leocran, but my mother told him that he was called for a different reason."
"And they had sex... I see. What did your father say when he returned?"
"He thought the child was his. He raised Pascal until the age of five and then learned what had happened. My father was not mad at Pascal's father for what happened. The way Duc Leocran saw it, he was doing as was ordered by his Lady. Pascal was, however, sent to live with his father in the village and has stayed ever since."
"Lordship, how does that make you unsure of your decision to put him in the dungeon? Even a brother is not above the law. Especially one who knows not he is a brother."
"Sir Pealot, I know that. I did not say that he was above it. I was merely saying the dungeon is perhaps too harsh for someone wanting to help."
"That is your decision to make Sire. If you asked me, I think the dungeon tour will help make him obey you more than anything."
"Its the reason I sent him there. Now, enough about him. My plans to attack Castle Ectbert are nearly complete. The only thing needed is the northern wall scouting report. Ectbert knows I'm coming for him after his little play at my feast."
"Aye lord. We shall make him pay for his actions."
"No, I will. You are to stay here and watch over things. If I do not return alive, place me in the Crypt with my elders. Then, take my place as regent until my son can take his place on the throne."
"But Lordship, I feel i-"
"Enough! Pealot, you are to stay here!"
"As you wish sire. I shall accept your decision. I pray your attack be victorious, and may you return safely. If this is not the case, your son will make a fine ruler."
"Thank you Pealot, now, make ready the troops, as I wish to depart in two days time."
"Aye Lordship." With that, Pealot left Duc Leogard, unsure wether he would see him alive again or not. Little did he know that Pascal's tour gave him the idea that friends were common even in the Castle.