The Capture of Gabriel

The warden of the dungeons from which Gabriel had escaped months before
reported to the princess that the prisoner was again in custody. Briefly
he related that a party of men led by Prince Dantan had appeared early
that day bringing the fugitive prince, uninjured, but crazed by rage and
disappointment. They had tricked him into following them through the
hills, intent upon slaying his brother Dantan. There could be no mistake
as to Gabriel's identity. In conclusion, the warden implored her
highness to send troops up to guard the prison in the mountain-side. He
feared an attack in force by Gabriel's army.

"Your highness," said Lorry, "I have sent instructions to Colonel Braze,
requiring him to take a large force of men into the pass to guard the
prison. Gabriel shall not escape again, though all Dawsbergen comes
after him."

"You have but little to fear from Dawsbergen," said Ravone, who was
seated near the princess. Candace at his side. "Messages have been
brought to me from the leading nobles of Dawsbergen, assuring me that
the populace is secretly eager for the old reign to be resumed. Only the
desperate fear of Gabriel and a few of his bloody but loyal advisers
holds them in check. Believe me, Dawsbergen's efforts to release Gabriel
will be perfunctory and halfhearted in the extreme. He ruled like a
madman. It was his intense, implacable desire to kill his brother that
led to his undoing. Will it be strange, your highness, if Dawsbergen
welcomes the return of Dantan in his stead?"