ransom

They demanded a ransom for the stolen artifact, knowing it would be a hefty price to pay.他们为被盗的文物索要赎金，深知这是一笔昂贵的代价。

With no money for the ransom, she had to think of a clever way to save her friend.由于没有赎金，她不得不动脑筋想出一个聪明的办法来救她的朋友。