"He didn't betray the Ferans," I replied calmly. "He turned his back on the Ranthors."
"In return," I continued, "he wanted one thing. A change at the top. He wanted the rule of the Ferans to pass from the Ranthors to the Sharka."
Kael let out a quiet breath, something between a laugh and a sigh. "So that's what it was," he murmured.
"He knew what that meant," I said. "And he accepted the price."
Kael's jaw tightened. "You're telling me this now because you want me to understand him. Not to recruit me."
I nodded.
"If we end up in open conflict with the Ferans and I think we will, then keep your tribe out of it. Stay neutral. Don't side with the Ranthors. Don't side with me either."
"When it's over," I finished, "the Ranthors won't be holding Feradros anymore. And if your people haven't bled for their mistakes, the reins will fall naturally into Sharka hands."
Kael muttered, "So you only want my tribe to stay out of it. Nothing else in return."
