I believe so... its the sacrifice he makes in opening those gates.

I've yet to see him live through it.

When i had the secret 1 to 1 meeting with Villem, I called his conditions unacceptable and he said he will meet Meve on the Battle field. However, he ended up opening the castle gate before Gascon or Reynard did and sacrificed himself. He did not want to face his mother in battle.