The ransom system held a significant place in the wartime culture of the nobility. This was one of the reasons Patridge had received special treatment after Karda captured him.
Ronin smiled faintly, sat down on a nearby stool, and calmly sized up the once high-and-mighty Viscount of Crescent Island.
Though Patridge was disheveled and resentful, at his core, he was still a nobleman, retaining a sliver of his former authority and arrogance.
"Ransom?"
Ronin's voice was tinged with amusement. "My dear Viscount, you do realize that in my eyes, you are nothing more than a pirate who attempted to attack Rapids Island. You are merely my prisoner."
Patridge stiffened, suddenly on high alert. "What, you intend to just kill me?"
