“Sir knight! if I grant thee this favor it would be well we should know what to expect from thee on thy part, for in so doing I put myself at thy mercy in a certain sense, but,” continued the king, “I have every confidence and I believe you will never abuse it.” In reply the five knights kneeled before the king, kissed his hand and then swore eternal fidelity. The brothers and Maugis were not long in commencing the work and the fortress was rapidly constructed. The fortifications were made truly formidable, and the mountain bestrewn with heavy walls and towers to protect the principal works, which in due time were finished. Maugis and Renaud prayed that King Yon would come and baptize the new fortress, an invitation which he courteously accepted, and the imposing ceremonies were attended by all the court. Maugis, however, observed with a sad heart the absence of Yolande. His mind was torn with various doubts and conjectures to account for the strange conduct of the princess, and he resolved at the first opportunity to seek an interview and demand an explanation. The fortress was named Montaubon, and Maugis then sent to all the surrounding country and caused to be published an edict of the king, that whosoever would take service under Maugis in the new city would be granted six years freedom.[1] [Footnote 1: In those feudal days the common people were in a condition of serfdom, little better than slavery.] This had the effect of rapidly filling the new city with inhabitants, and soon Maugis, Renaud and the three brothers took possession of their new domain. Meanwhile the complaints of the discontented courtiers grew louder and deeper, and rumors of the alliance of Maugis with the evil one, cautiously spread by the crafty monk, flew from lip to lip, until reaching the ears of Maugis, caused him to become aware of the seriousness of the position and the impending liability of his falling under the displeasure of the king. Active steps must at once be taken, and he, who had never a thought of breaking his oath, at once renewed his oath of fidelity. The council of state was convened when he presented himself, and he took the occasion to face his accusers and demand of the discontented to formulate their complaints to his face, and that he would satisfactorily explain anything that could be offered. Then spoke Adelbert Leon de Bayonne: “Sire!” said he, “it doubtless be true this knight hast rendered thee great service and it is fitting thou should reward him, but thou art not called upon to abandon all caution and deliver thyself into his power. He is now installed in a strong fortress, and with a powerful army in the midst of thy kingdom thou hast placed him in a position of power over thee.” “And what else be there to my disfavor?” demanded Maugis.