Kale gritted his teeth, his jaw tightening as a flash of guilt flickered through his mind. He opened his mouth to explain, to offer some small shred of truth to the man who had saved his life. "Master, I… I can't…"
Lazek got up from his crouched position on the ground, extending his hand towards Kale with a sudden, decisive motion. He cut his disciple off before the boy could retreat into his usual wall of vague excuses and silence.
"But regardless of all that, I have decided to trust you, kid," Lazek said, his voice returning to its usual functional tone. "Make sure you keep your promise just like you said you would. The instant you achieve the rank of Lord, remember that."
Kale hesitated for a long second, staring at the calloused hand of the man who was both his saviour and his greatest threat. Finally, he grabbed the hand of his master and allowed himself to be pulled up from the dirt of the black crater.
