Creon returns to Thebes with the message from the god to,” Drive the corruption from the land…” (1303). Creon further explains that the murderer of the past king, Laius, resides in Thebes. Apollo’s commands were clear, “Pay the killers back-whoever is responsible.” (1303). He further divulges that there was one man traveling with Laius that had survived the attack who had claimed that a band of thieves were responsible for the death of the king. Oedipus questioned Creon for a reason for the lack of investigation into a royal death. The reason given was the persuasion of the Sphinx who had riddled them to focus on the problems that were pressing on them now. With all of these revelations, Oedipus calls forth to the citizens of Thebes to come forward with any information, which may lead to the death or exile of the murder. With the deafening silence to his call for justice, Oedipus proclaims to his own future detriment: