He stared at the little pouch in his hand for another long moment. Not that much; the man certainly had to be very poor. So Arthur reached forward, offering the bag back to him.

"Release him," he said, stepping back. The befuddled man didn't know how quickly to scramble upright.

"But, sire--" one of the guards attempted, "The king's orders--"

Arthur slanted a look at him that offered him no avenue for further protest. "Give them all back their money," he ordered, and did his best to ignore the suddenly hopeful looks the villagers leveled at him.