The Welsh Outlaws II

Sophie was already waiting in the main hall. She sat on the seat right next to yours planning to see how you would handle this merchant. You took your seat and placed your left hand on hers, that was placed on the arm of her chair.

"I didn't forget your actions last night Garrick." she wispered, pinching you with her fingernails. You gave her a **** smile while withdrawing your hand. It seemed that she was still angry with you. Then you turned to Kieran, telling him to speak.

"Sir, my name is Kieran and I've come with a grievance. My wife and my son were travelling your lands on the way to Berwick. They were attacked by outlaws. Not only did I lose all my goods but they've also taken my wife and my son hostage. The outlaws demand me to pay them ransom otherwise they would **** them." he explained his case.

"When and where did this happen? Do you know about their numbers?" you asked for more details.

"Sir, they were attacked yesterday near the woods around twelve miles to the east. The returning escorts told me it was more than ten outlaws, maybe fifteen." he recalled.

"What do you expect me to do about this?" you asked.

"Sir, we were robbed on your lands. It is your responsibility to secure our safety. Now that I have lost all my goods I want compensation. Also I need your help to get my wife and my son back." he replied.

"Niall, call for Alan. Ask him to join us in the main hall." you ordered.

You started having a headache. What Kieran said was true and you needed to reach an agreement with him. Other merchants would avoid your roads in the future if you did not handle this case wisely, words would float around about this episode for sure. However compensating this merchant would drain your already low treasury. You looked over to Sophie hoping that she would come up with a good suggestion, something to help you out of this situation. Sophie just smiled not saying anything.