Ahmed and the meeting room fell into a stunned silence as Kael's unexpected question hung in the air. Kael's offer wasn't just a proposal—it was a lifeline cloaked in a daring challenge. The idea of trading the oogla stones for safety was a monumental decision, one that would require deep deliberation. Kael's question was essentially asking, "Can you trade your oogla stones for the promise of complete safety?" The weight of the decision was obvious, and it pressed heavily on the shoulders of everyone present.
Ahmed cleared his throat, the gravity of the situation evident in his posture. He needed to confer with his council before making any commitments. "I will need to discuss this with my men," he said, his voice steady but filled with the weight of responsibility. Rising from his seat, he gave a curt nod to Kael and Thrain before stepping out of the room to gather his council for a crucial discussion.
