In the end, William lost the chance to see his own curse fulfilled. He didn't survive the second night.
A sorry episode occurred during this time. A few of the old king's loyal knights returned to Chester Castle to gather his personal effects, only to find the fortress had been stripped bare.
On the very first night, Hugh had taken his riches and departed from Chester. Rumor had it he intended to leave England entirely, not even returning to Normandy.
Once the war was declared over, the knights garrisoned in the castle saw the old king off and promptly set out for home through the night. They hadn't seen their homes in three months, and the war had left them deeply in debt.
The north was no pleasant place for any Norman, and the knights were desperate to return home to their wives.
Thus, only a few servants who hadn't yet managed to leave remained in the castle.
