Answer:
Do what he says and you'll be fine, don't and you lose the game.
I'm not really more than holes tied to more holes. I'm strong as good steel, though not as stiff as a pole.
Alive without breath, As cold as death, Clad in mail never clinking, Never thirsty, ever drinking
My first is a creature whose breeding is unclear. My second, a price you must pay. My whole can be found in the river of Time and refers to events of today.
What do people want the least on their hands?
The sun bakes them, The hand breaks them, The foot treads on them, And the mouth tastes them. What are they?