They face the death sentence if found guilty of kidnapping for ransom. The group obtains most of its financing through kidnap ransom and extortion. Caesar is captured by pirates who intend to ransom him for money. Clare helps Mercedes fake her disappearance and blackmail him for ransom money. Kidnapping for ransom and robberies are common in major cities. Negotiations resulted in Joan's dowry of 10,000 merks being subtracted from James's substantial ransom. They demanded a $1 million ransom. Many noblemen were still prisoners and unable to pay their ransom. Only those who were expected to pay ransom were kept. Amir Sabuktigin then promised peace in exchange for a large ransom. It represented riches from Atahualpa's camp, his ransom, and the plunder from Cuzco. Most of the ransom money was never recovered. The city was spared for a negotiated ransom of 200,000 thalers. His offer to ransom survivors was brusquely refused. The first instalment of the ransom was paid punctually.