Those who were aware but did not report, even though they were not directly involved, were brought out for questioning one by one.
Some had simply walked too often near the granary, some were responsible for night watch but turned a blind eye, and some had once shared a drink with Sarik but said nothing.
Their fates varied, depending on their duties and relevance, some were whipped and then expelled from the Red Tide, forbidden to set foot across the border again.
Some were allowed to stay, but the cost was the wounds on their backs.
There were those who confessed on their knees before punishment, barely earning forgiveness.
Only one person at the last moment reported to the Knights about Sarik's abnormal contacts with the convoy. Under everyone's watchful eyes, he was named and commended, yet he always kept his head down, not daring to meet anyone's eyes.
As for the entire village... they were no longer allowed to remain.
