Barrek's voice came out rough.
"Back in Emberreach," he said quietly. "Wife.
Two little ones.
I send what I can, but between the bribes and the taxes…"
He did not finish.
He did not have to.
Ben already knew what he meant.
"That's why I'm here," Barrek added.
He straightened his back as if to brace himself. "If I can get even a sliver of something in Krahal-Zir… maybe I can pull them out.
Get them someplace better."
Ben did not look at him directly, but he gave a short nod.
Someplace better in this kingdom?
Without a revolution, nothing would change.
The city's blackened walls rose into view as the road curved.
Steam poured up from the lava channels that ran beneath, half-hiding the stone in a constant haze.
Ben stepped off the ramp first.
The wooden planks groaned under his weight.
Half of them were charred, marked by an old riot or a smuggler's careless flame spill.
Behind him, Barrek climbed down, squinting at the ash-crusted walls and scorched stonework.
