Baldwin IV gazed into the distance, at the ruins of the castle, and said in a deep voice, "In any event, you will be the Count of Transjordan, there's no doubt about that. But Kaler Castle might indeed deserve to remain in Reynard's hands."
Kaler Castle has long been managed by Reynard, and has recently been ravaged by the flames of war.
If this territory were also stripped away, it would seem too harsh, too lacking in human compassion.
The monarch's punishment of a vassal shouldn't be too severe. There have been plenty of vassals who raised flags in rebellion and openly waged war against the king just because he wanted to increase the royal authority.
If Baldwin IV wished to strip Reynard of all his titles and lands, even his arch-enemy, Regent King Raymond, wouldn't support such actions.
Because his lands are more vast and prosperous than Reynard's!
"Your Majesty, do you intend for Reynard of Chatignon to be my vassal?"
