Zarnak moved as if to kneel, but Ben raised a hand to stop him.
"No need for formalities.
Just sit and talk."
"As you command, City Lord." The old captain lowered himself into the chair with a slow breath.
He took a moment to gather his thoughts. "After word spread of Lord Kharvek's defeat, there was unrest… more than we expected."
He hesitated.
"Say it straight," Ben said. "I will not punish honesty."
Zarnak exhaled and his shoulders relaxed a little.
He thought, 'He is not like Kharvek.
Maybe this city has a chance after all.'
"The Regent, the one tasked with governing in the city lord's absence, was the first to panic," Zarnak said. "The moment he confirmed Kharvek's death, he began rallying the wealthy and powerful to flee.
At first, no one agreed.
Forgive me for saying this, but you, Lord Tzarek, were an unknown.
A lowborn.
They assumed you would be easy to manipulate."
He paused and glanced at Ben's face.
The city lord did not react.
