Answer: Because of his i<u>nflexible</u> attitude, the King had become a <u>menace</u> to his people. Although he had ruled for 40 years by <u>mutual</u> consent of his countrymen, the King had placed himself in an <u>advantageous </u>position by mounting a large army to defend his castle, and had secured great wealth and a very large kingdom.
As the King looked down at his <u>gnarled </u>fingers, he realized that to <u>incite </u>the people with even more taxes would be foolish. At his age, and with his health failing, soon his sons and daughters would <u>inherit </u>his vast kingdom, and his more than <u>adequate</u> wealth. Why risk the chance of having opposing forces <u>descend </u>upon his castle? To <u>enhance</u> his wealth at this time could only lead to disaster.
