However , if the attacker was a noble , safely ensconced in a castle -LRB- as was often the case -RRB- , the town commune could not muster the forces to attack him directly ; instead they might attack the noble 's family , burn his crops , kill his serfs , or destroy his orchards in retribution .

Instead they might attack the nobles family , or burn his crops , or kill his serfs , or destroy his orchards .
