While the captives discussed in low voices, Henry was in the castle's council chamber, pondering the same question.
These captives were people too; they had families and lives of their own. Many of the villagers were their relatives. He couldn't treat these prisoners of war the same way he would Mercenaries from all over, condemning them to be mine slaves.
To put it bluntly, Henry had even forgotten these prisoners of war existed.
"Relay my orders. All prisoners of war with relatives inside the castle will be given a chance. They are to join our defensive forces.
If they survive, I will restore their freedom. They can return to their homes, pick up their hoes again, and till the land."
When the prisoners of war in the corner of the castle heard this news, some of them embraced each other in excitement. This was a chance at a new life, given to them by Baron Henry.
As for those without relatives, they watched their released comrades, unsure of what their own future held.
