章 1827: The Promised Land

Tilda swept her gaze across the heated room, "I will not force any of you into anything you do not want. If what I've said is heavy, we will gladly send you out." 

"However, if you agree to join my family, I swear an oath to the heavens that I will treat you all well, provided you do not cross my moral grounds!" 

With that, the impressive lineup of guards surrounding the room now stepped forward. 

"Please, do not be afraid. If you do not wish to join, now is the time to step forward, and my people will gladly send you out. And for those willing to join me, please step back and rest. Because after this, we continue our journey to my Promise land."

–Silence– 

For a moment, everyone stood in place, no one making obvious moves now. But just a second later, a few wise men, especially an older man with a staff, calmly stepped out of the group and moved to the far back right to cross his legs and lean against the wall, as though sleeping.