The next morning, Gregor gathered the community leaders to deliberate on Edmund's proposal. The village was in turmoil, divided between those who saw an opportunity for survival and those who feared being subjugated by yet another unknown leader.
"We need to think carefully," said Gregor, his voice firm but weary. "Accepting this alliance might bring us stability and security, but it also means giving up our independence."
Mirella, the healer, shook her head in disagreement. "Independence? We're trapped, with enough supplies to survive another winter. How many have died because we didn't have what we needed? If Edmund keeps his word, we'll have a second chance."
A burly man with a scruffy beard and a hard look, known as Rurik, rose from his makeshift seat. "What if it's a trap? He might just be recruiting us for his war, forcing us to fight for him without real guarantees. We've been tricked before. How do we know this time will be different?"
Mirella crossed her arms, her blue eyes gleaming with determination. "If he wanted to enslave us, he would have just taken what he wanted by force. He offered us supplies before asking for anything in return. That's not something a tyrant would do."
An older woman with graying hair and a weathered face, known as Edna, intervened in a thoughtful tone. "We have to consider what we can offer in return. We're survivors, but we're not useless. We know how to fish, sail, build. If we go to Claw Island, we'll be part of something bigger. But will we be able to maintain our identity, or will we just become another piece in Edmund's game?"
Murmurs grew louder as the groups within the village argued heatedly. Some agreed with Mirella, seeing it as a chance to start over. Others sided with Rurik, hesitant to trust another promise of power and protection.
"If we accept," said a young man named Elric, who had lost his family to pirates, "we need to establish conditions. We want to know what our role will be in the society they're building. We don't want to just be soldiers or servants."
Gregor nodded and looked at everyone present. "I agree. If we decide to join them, we'll do it as equals. We'll need to negotiate clear terms that ensure our security and autonomy within the new order Edmund wants to build."
The debate lasted for hours, with heated discussions on both sides. In the end, Gregor raised his hand, asking for silence.
"We'll meet with Edmund again," he decided. "We'll discuss the terms in detail and demand guarantees. If he's sincere, maybe we've finally found a future for ourselves."
With the decision made, a group of representatives was chosen to negotiate the final terms. The fate of the community now depended on the next meeting with Edmund and his ability to prove that his promise was more than just empty words.