The Jackal Chief's eyes widened slightly at the human's audacity. His claws gripped the arms of his throne, cracking the bone beneath.
But he did not attack.
Something held him back. Something more than simple curiosity.
This human had information about his daughter's pendant. That pendant meant more to him than revenge or pride.
"Where is the pendant?" the Chief demanded, his voice barely controlled.
"I have it," Thoren said simply. "But information is not free. You made a promise, and I am here to collect."
The tension in the hall reached its peak. The Jackal Chief stared at Thoren for a long, agonizing moment.
Then he threw back his head and laughed. It was a deep, rumbling sound that shook the walls.
"You have courage, human. I will grant you that," the Chief said. "Speak your terms. But know that if you waste my time, I will feed you to the sand hounds myself."
Thoren smiled slightly.
