"It's your choice, really. I am not going to *force* you to do anything."
The hyenas frantically shook their heads, practically in tears, their bravado completely shattered. "No, no! You are not forcing us! We swear on our names, we swear on our lives! We will tell Lord Siss exactly what you said!"
Half an hour later, the terrified hyena mercenaries were sent packing out of the cave and into the dense forest beyond. They ran as if the devil himself were chasing them, absolutely convinced that a ticking time bomb was resting comfortably in their stomachs, ready to detonate the moment they stepped out of line.
The moment the very last hyena's frantic footsteps faded into the distance, a sudden, jarring movement broke the heavy silence in the cavern.
