Synopsis

The Duke, preparing for an upcoming thief subjugation, arranges to borrow soldiers from Count Seyrod, acknowledging the temporary dependence. They discuss the bandit leader Dell Geoffrey, a former knight who deserted and now controls nearby villages, terrorizing the population. The chapter then shifts to Geoffrey's perspective where his brutal nature is showcased, further highlighting the need for immediate action. The Duke realizes the extent of the territory's ruin and the need for its reconstruction.