Amal was used to being in nasty situations, but this was a bit too damning. Already he had spotted three possible escape routes if he was ready to use a particular set of acrobatics, but none were guaranteed and he had Emmaline to think about. Still, he had been duping multiple enemies and powerful opponents for years. What's one more? 

"That is an interesting story, herr Jack. Er, herr Felix" the Arabyan stated. Even he had heard of Lucky Jack, though how Jack had heard of him when he had only been in the Empire for two weeks at most was an uncomfortable mystery. "Unfortunately, we made plans with the seal. My lover has some debts she needs paid and without the seal we'll be broke paying them. You understand, I am sure." 

Lucky Jack barked a laugh, his hands still in his pockets. One of his men did raise their crossbow, however. "You have daring, I'll give you that. Though I'm curious as to how you think you'll be able to get out of here without being killed by us or the city watch. I'm not here to fight you or kill you, but this simply must be done." As he spoke, Amal reached behind him to grab the case that held the Seal of Magnus much to Emmaline's curiosity, and he placed it in her hands. Jack had not stopped. "-And I'm sure you'll say that you risk yourself often. Unfortunately for you, if you don't comply we'll simply shoot Frauline Von Morganstern." 

"You could try..." Amal said, shrugging. "But I doubt it would work." 

"And why is that?" 

"She has the seal." He said simply, and all eyes fell on the blonde who smiled guiltily, holding up the well crafted and overtly magical treasure. 

Lucky Jack blinked, but Amal saw something in his eyes that showed his understanding. They were playing a game now that was to lead to a negotiation. He and Amal knew it, and likely Emmaline if she was thoughtful for a moment. Jack decided to continue the charade for a moment longer, though if he were to find a weakness in Amal's plan, the Arabyan had no doubt he and Emmaline would be executed if they didn't agree to the arrangement. "So, what is to stop us from killing you, instead?" 

"Well if you do that, my lover will be quite upset." Amal woe'd in a dramatic flourish, draping an arm over Emmaline. He gave her a grin she had seen many times. "A magician of no small renown, she would unravel the seal's energies and break it out of sheer grief. Your vow would tragically be broken." Whether that was possible he didn't know, but it was good reasoning at least. 

Jack took a moment to ponder on his throne, his finger idly toying with his mustache. After a few tense moments, he snickered and gave an approving nod. "Very good, Amal. Very good. I'll tell you what... you and the lovely fraulien here put the Seal back in its original place, and capture or kill the remaining members of the group that sought to steal it originally, and I will pay off all of her debts myself. I might be a criminal, but I am also a business man. My word is my lifeblood." 

Emmaline and Amal shared a look, and they knew there was little they could do to negotiate further. Amal didn't doubt the men who had sought to steal it initially had done so not out of ignorance, but audacity. Emmaline held up the artifact, a few of the dice players stopping to look at it admirably. "So, you'll let us go with the Seal?" 

"Of course!" Lucky Jack exclaimed. "I have no doubt you'd rather have your debts forgiven than trying to find an insane seller of an item that had every thief and lawman in the heart of the Empire looking for you."