You only need one or two of them for that. Most of the soldiers were still alive after the King’s onslaught. Why would you leave an entire battalion of enemies trying to murder you alive?
Why not? More people to ask lmao. That aside, like the bandits the first time Van came around, more potential manpower to use. Specially since they're all soldiers, even better.
Nasty mindset though but its probably the line of thought the folks there would have. Slavery is bad kids ✊😔