The Duke listened intently and without interrupting, but watched Gabriel at every word he spoke. This man was clearly used to persuading attempts though, his expression showed no intent on letting up even after Gabriel's speech had finished, but taking a deep breath he spoke up in reply then. It was a serious, authoritive voice that showed how come he had been able to hold onto his power so well.<br/><br/>"The King may not have known what his subjects did but if he let himself be mislead that much it serves to show he is not fit to rule. The King has failed his kingdom and the people are expecting a revolution, civil war, and with all the internal strife going on many are fearing an attack by our neighbors already. The knights here are ready to serve to protect the kingdom, but they are no longer servants of the king."<br/><br/>The Duke looked at Gabriel with a very serious expression on his face, not letting up any hint at all about whatever emotions might be boiling on beneath now. "I have no wish to damn the king for the actions of those Protectors, but he has to accept the responsibility for his part. Even if he did not commit atrocities by himself, he allowed them to happen by neglecting to keep a watchful eye on his subjects. The King's power is slipping away from his fingers, and if my children joined the rebellion they did so foolishly but I do not judge them poorly for it because of what I have seen this kingdom become in this current king's reign."<br/><br/>Looking at the man besides him, the Duke waited for a silent nod before continuing again. "I cannot speak for the knights themselves. You will have to speak to them yourself. Perhaps some will join you, and the king, and see about restoring this kingdom. In the meanwhile, this Duchy considers itself unaligned with the civil war that is brewing between the rebels and the king's supporters. I will punish my daughter, but I am not commiting my army to the king's cause and protection." He took a breath. Watching Gabriel's face with cold hard determination.<br/><br/>"I have watched many great men fall, I have seen the deaths of too many good people. Too many evil people laughing behind their backs after having used them up for their own ends. I will not trust in this king again until the protectors have all been tried for the crimes and punished accordingly. If it were upto me, I would mark them down for banditry, for that's what they did in that settlement, and I would execute their leaders while sentencing the men to hard labor for the rest of their days." The Duke's tone of voice was very adamant again.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">Gabriel can get a feel the Duke isn't Evil, but he isn't a shining example of good either. More of a Lawful Neutral most likely, but personalities go beyond mere alignment wheel. Anyhow, just thought I'd note that down, the roll was remarkable afterall.</div></div>