Chapter 317: The Mountain Barbarians (3) Let Me Handle Them
Lyan and his companions gathered in the castle’s war room, the tension palpable as they discussed the fate of the two surviving mountain barbarian women. The room, adorned with maps and charts detailing Grafen and its surrounding territories, seemed almost too serene for the gravity of the conversation. The air was thick with a mix of curiosity and unease as the group debated how best to handle the situation.
Josephine leaned back in her chair, her fingers drumming a steady rhythm on the wooden table. Her eyes were sharp, calculating. "These women could have valuable information," she said, her voice low and thoughtful. "They were part of the attack, and they might know more about other barbarian tribes or any plans against Grafen."
Alina nodded in agreement, her expression serious. "But how do we get them to talk? They’re loyal to their people and might not be willing to share anything easily."
Xena, ever the pragmatist, smirked. "We could scare them into talking. Maybe a little intimidation, make them think they’re next if they don’t cooperate."
Raine, her white hair gleaming under the soft glow of the room’s candles, frowned slightly. "I’m not sure fear will work with them. They come from a warrior culture; they might resist out of sheer stubbornness."
Emilia, with her fiery red hair and fierce demeanor, crossed her arms over her chest. "Or we could try something more... persuasive. A little pain can go a long way in loosening tongues."
The suggestion hung in the air, the room falling silent as the implications of Emilia’s words settled over the group. It was a grim proposal, one that carried a weight none of them could ignore. Belle shifted uncomfortably, her usually gentle eyes hardening. "I’m not sure if that’s the right approach," she murmured. "There’s always a risk with methods like that. We could end up breaking them without getting the information we need."
Lyan, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up, his voice cutting through the growing tension like a knife. "I don’t think we need to resort to such measures," he said calmly. His gaze swept across the room, meeting the eyes of each of his companions in turn. "Let me handle the interrogation. I have... a way with words that might prove more effective."
There was a pause, then Althea, who had been watching Lyan with a curious expression, nodded slowly. "You think you can get them to talk without using force?" she asked, her tone skeptical but intrigued.