Barrek hesitated and shifted the strap of his supply pack on his shoulder.
The question he wanted to ask was already at the tip of his tongue.
Ben spoke first without looking back.
"Tell me, Barrek," he said, his voice low but clear. "What do you think makes a good city to live in?"
Barrek blinked.
The question surprised him.
He rubbed his beard and thought for a moment.
"Trade routes that don't bleed you dry.
Taxes that actually help the folk pay them," he said.
He paused.
"And maybe… maybe a leader who doesn't see people as numbers."
Now Ben turned.
His eyes met Barrek's.
"Is that all?
How about one that makes you prosper and rich?"
Barrek scratched his chin and let out a low hum. "By the Deepforge, if that's possible, I'd love it.
Gods know I wouldn't mind being rich."
He gave a wry grin, then his tone turned serious.
