"Have you disposed your men along the walls?"
"Yes, my Lord."
"Are any of the Archbishop's troops yet in sight?"
"No, my Lord."
"Send a trusty man to Alken, and tell the dwellers therein that we are to be besieged by the Archbishops of Treves and Cologne. Ask them to spread the news along either bank of the river with these instructions, that all are to make the best terms with the Archbishops they can; to sell their provisions and wine for the most money obtainable, preferring the gold to their Lordships' blessings, if they take my advice. Tell them I shall look out for myself, but that I cannot offer protection to any outside the castle walls; therefore, I shall in future, if victorious, not hold it against any man that he has saved his skin, or his grain, or his wine, by denouncing me. Make all arrangement for the women folk and very old men who are now in the castle. Pay for a year's keep of each of them, and say that if more money is required I shall see they get it. Marshal the non-combatants over the wall and down the ladders as quickly as may be, and if any have friends in the village with whom they prefer to lodge, arrange it to their satisfaction."
"All the women, my Lord?" cried Steinmetz, in astonishment.
"All the women in the castle, with the exception of my wife and my niece, and all the old men incapable of bearing arms."
Steinmetz hesitated, yet seemed incapable of protest.
"Well!" roared the Black Count.
"There will be grumbling among the men, my Lord."