An Unexpected Offer

Gideon froze in his chair for a few seconds after being confronted by Alaric's direct question. Alaric looked at him sharply, anticipating his reply. 

A sudden chill ran down Gideon's spine at the way Alaric was staring at him as if he would draw his sword should Gideon give a dissatisfying answer.

"General Stormholt, are you seriously asking me that? Will you kill me if I give you an answer that you don't like to hear?" Gideon said, letting out a soft chuckle as he tried to lighten the mood. Alaric was very serious.

Alaric put on a dangerous smirk. "Well, let me hear your honest answer first. Then we will find out what I'm going to do next."

Gideon smiled awkwardly, darting his gaze around his surroundings. He wondered if Alaric's men were hiding somewhere, aiming an arrow at him.