During this time, while the four sons of Aymon were thus preparing themselves to escape the rage of Charlemagne, he, without caring for the sorrow of their father, the Duke d’Aymon, for the crime his son had committed, ordered the duke arrested; but when the duke condemned his sons and expressed a willingness to make a new oath of fidelity, agreeing to preserve a strict neutrality in the conflict between the king and his sons, Charlemagne, who recognized he could get nothing from him, sent him to his home, when upon his arrival the duchess informed him that his sons were safe. He also learned with pleasure of the strong position they had secured to escape the rage of the emperor, but to baffle the suspicions of Charlemagne, and to prevent himself from knowing what was passing, he returned to the court under pretense that he wished to be near the emperor that he might not be held responsible for the action of his sons. CHAPTER V. The news of the construction of a redoubtable fortress was not long in reaching the ears of the emperor. He was also advised that there were others concerned in the construction besides Maugis and his four brothers. This made Charlemagne all the more angry and vindictive. He resolved to attack him on his own ground. He would combine the forces of all the lords there were there present, besides all the knights he could find, directing them in all haste to secure vengeance. He promised to subdue Maugis, raze his fortress, and give up all the surrounding country to fire and pillage. Not all the lords present at the time were agreeable to this plan, but having given their oaths of fidelity, had to submit to the consequences of their promises. Ganelon finally proposed to pursue a middle course in order to terminate the war without striking a blow, for Ganelon liked not to fight. He proposed to negotiate an offer to Maugis to yield up his three brothers and his cousin Renaud to the emperor, hoping in his secret heart that would pave the way to the destruction of Maugis afterward. This strange proposition seemed agreeable to Charlemagne and he consented it should be made, charging the matter to the Duke de Naimes, his confidant, and Oger. These two knights, in due time, presented themselves to Maugis and rendered their duty, though certain beforehand he would not consider the subject a moment. They were not deceived. Maugis received the message, but could not restrain his indignation at the infamy of the proposal.