Amidst the tension and impending conflict, a commanding voice thundered through the air, slicing through the charged atmosphere.
"Enough!"
The guards turned their attention toward the source of the voice, their hostile stances faltering as they beheld Todo Khan—the Chieftain of the tribe—standing at the entrance to the gate. Flanking him were his two sons, Ragnar and Loth, their expressions a mélange of suspicion and anger.
Ragnar's and Loth's hostility was palpable, their eyes narrowed as they cast scornful glances at the injured guard whose hand had been maimed. Todo's expression was a mixture of concern and disappointment, his deep frown emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Derek's gaze shifted to meet Todo's eyes, his own expression unflinching as he confronted the Chieftain's scrutiny. The weight of the moment hung heavy, and Derek knew that his next words would determine the course of their conversation.