Understanding at the outset that his mission would be a failure, and thoroughly disgusted by the weakness of the emperor, the Duke de Naimes declared shortly: “Your majesty, I refuse to accept the mission,” and then withdrew from the audience. While this discussion was occurring at the imperial camp, Maugis was deliberating with his three brothers as to the fate of the Duke de Normandie. His associates would have him suffer the same fate as that to which Charlemagne had condemned one or the other of them. Accordingly, Maugis gave orders that preparations should be made for the execution, and to give it proper effect, that it should take place from the highest tower of Dordogne, in full view of the camp of Charlemagne. These preparations were no sooner commenced than they were perceived by Roland, who guarded that side, and he hurried immediately to the emperor, filled with indignation. “Sire,” said he, “is this the way you recompense the Duke Richard for his devotion to you? If this be the way you recognize faithful services, it will be but little encouragement to those who remain with you. I swear for myself that I thought to see more generosity on your part.” “Have no fears, Roland,” replied the emperor lightly; “these preparations, which cause thee so much uneasiness, are merely a threat; they are simply a means employed by Maugis to force us to come to terms of peace. As for the Duke Richard, rest assured, I have no fears for his life.” The next day, when everything was complete, the brave and fearless Richard de Normandie sat in a strong room over the citadel of Dordogne, engaged in a game of chess with Yon, the eldest son of Maugis, when two officers with a guard appeared and announced they had come to bring him to execution. He paid no attention to them, but calmly continued his game. “My lord,” said the officer respectfully, “it is very painful to me to interrupt thy game with this summons, but I have my orders, and must execute them.” Suddenly, and without warning, Richard leaped to his feet, and seizing the heavy chessboard and using it as a weapon, he fell upon the guard with such suddenness and fury that four of them were stretched lifeless on the floor and the rest were driven from the room. Then he seated himself and ranging the men upon the chessboard, continued the game as calmly as if he had not been interrupted, calling his servants and ordering them to remove the bodies of the soldiers with all the coolness that he would command some small service. The young son of Maugis was trembling so much at this violence that he could not play, and Alard, who was waiting in the courtyard below for the coming of Richard, being apprised of what had occurred, hurried to Maugis, reporting that Richard was making a strong resistance, and had taken the lives of the men sent to seize him. Maugis went at once to the chamber of Richard, and demanded of him: “Sir knight, why hast thou killed my people?”