Everyone looked toward the source of the voice and saw a solemn-looking old man walking toward them. The locals did not dare to look right at the old man holding a long cane. Just one glance and it was clear that this man was chief of the valley.

“Chief Haris!” Atticus quickly greeted the man with a smile. He then said, “These are some friends that I’ve just met. They’re looking for a place to stay, so I thought—”

“No!” The old man rejected fiercely before Atticus could even finish.

“But—” Atticus wanted to say more, but Haris did not give him a chance.

Haris waved and said with finality, “We are not discussing this!”

“I’m sure we can discuss this, sir.”

Adrian stepped forward, smiling. He tried to be as polite as possible, but Haris remained unyielding.

“No means no!” Haris thundered, “Who do you think you are to be doing as you wish?!”

Nobody expected him to be so stubborn. Nevertheless, Adrian continued smiling. He stretched out his hand, holding out something. Haris was goi