"We can't do anything if you two decide to remain silent. However, since you have refused to say anything, you two will remain locked up here until we decide what to do with you for attacking our City," the Village Chief said. "I will warn you, though, that if you try to escape as punishment, your hands will be chopped off and then placed back in the cell. If you decide to escape again, your legs will be chopped off, and then you will be placed back in the cell."
"And suppose you still attempt to escape after that. In that case, you will be hanged in front of the people within the City that you've previously tried to attack," he added, his cold gaze fixed on the two frozen figures below the cell as his voice, filled with a hint of threat, reverberated through the underground hall.
The Village Chief then diverted his gaze, focusing on the twenty three-star warriors standing before him. "We'll reduce the guards to ten; each group of ten will take turns watching this cell until we determine our next course of action. You will be generously compensated for your time and effort, so give it your all."
He then turned to the two Stronghold Leaders beside him. "Let's go," he added before turning around and walking away.
Stronghold Leader Zogar and Stronghold Leader Seth exchanged surprised glances as the Village Chief abruptly exited. They hadn't expected his sudden exit. Nonetheless, they nodded to each other and followed suit, understanding that the Village Chief's decision was final, regardless of their own authority.
Seig observed as the village chief, accompanied by the two stronghold leaders, walked away with a frown after he had made such a serious threat.
Initially, Seig had assumed that the Village Chief was merely attempting to intimidate him into speaking. However, watching them leave, he realized that the Village Chief had meant what he said.
"Hey, this is not how it's supposed to go, you know?" Seig yelled.
He had willingly surrendered to them, hoping to start a new life in this sanctuary. So, if they just walked away and left such a threat after a single rejection, wouldn't that be bad for him and Evadne?
"If this is how you handle a single rejection, no wonder the cells beside me are empty. You guys don't really know how to handle criminals, do you? Well, I want to tell you that we are ready to talk if given the right offer!" Seig added, his voice carrying enough weight to reach the ears of everyone above their cell.
Upon hearing Seig's words, the Village Chief and the Stronghold Leader immediately halted their steps. The Village Chief couldn't help but furrow his brows as he processed Seig's words. Then, he turned around and returned to his previous position near the cell.
Stronghold Leaders Zogar and Seth breathed a sigh of relief as they watched the Village Chief return to the cell.
The Village Chief's cold gaze bore down on the cell, with the Stronghold Leaders flanking him. "Are you finally ready to talk?" he asked.
"It depends on what you are willing to offer," Seig said with a smirk, feeling a sense of relief over him.
He had been somewhat concerned that the Village Chief wouldn't return. Nevertheless, if he wanted to start a life here, he would have to be more flexible in answering their questions.
"What do you mean?" The Village Chief asked, his expression clouded with confusion.
He couldn't quite understand the man's intentions.
"What I'm trying to say is, I am willing to provide you with any information you desire, depending on what you are willing to offer in return," Seig clarified.
The Village Chief's frown deepened as he narrowed his eyes at Seig. "Are you serious about what you just said?" he said, his voice filled with scepticism.
Seig nodded in agreement.
"Of course I am. I know I won't be able to escape due to waterman over there," Seig said, pointing his finger at Stronghold Leader Zogar. His gaze then shifted to Stronghold Leader Seth, who had a stern expression and was staring at him with a chilling stare. "And I am sure that there are others like him who can stop me but won't be as forgiving as waterman," he shifted his focus back to the Village Chief.
"With the threat you just gave, attempting to escape would not be wise. Besides, even if I manage to escape, I am far away from home, and I don't think my partner and I could cross the treacherous dead land and fight the countless vicious Vylkr vines simultaneously to make it back home."
"So the choice I can make now that will guarantee the safety of myself and my partner is to comply with your demands. However, even though I have no choice but to comply, I won't do it for free. So, what is your offer?" Seig sighed tiredly, his shoulders slumping downwards in defeat.
The Village Chief furrowed his brow and then turned his gaze towards the Stronghold Leaders, Zogar and Seth. The two leaders silently communicated through brief eye contact before nodding in agreement.
The Village Chief then returned his focus to the cell below.
"Alright. Although I don't think that you are in a position for me to make you one, I will still make you one - in exchange for giving us all the information that we need, I will withdraw my orders of putting you and your partner to death by hanging in the City which you had attempted to attack," The Village Chief said, narrowing his eyes at the incredibly tall man below the cell, "I don't think that is a bad offer isn't it?" he asked.
Seig, who had been inwardly smiling upon hearing the Village Chief's words, suddenly frowned as the Village Chief finished his sentence.
Even Evadne, standing beside him, couldn't help but sigh. Seig narrowed his eyes at the Village Chief and said, "I don't think this still counts as an offer."