Barrek's voice was rough.
"Back in Emberreach," he said quietly. "Wife. Two little ones. I send what I can, but between the bribes and the taxes…"
He didn't finish. He didn't have to, Ben already know what he mean.
"That's why I'm here," Barrek added, straightening his back as though to steel himself. "If I can get even a sliver of something in Krahal-Zir… maybe I can pull 'em out. Get 'em someplace better."
Ben didn't look at him directly, but he nodded once. Someplace better In this kingdom? That was more than a dream, without revolution nothing will happen.
The city's blackened walls rose into view beyond the curve of the road, half-swallowed in steam from the lava channels that ran beneath.
Ben stepped off the ramp first. The wooden planks groaned underfoot, half-charred from some riot or reckless smuggler's flame spill. Behind him, Barrek climbed down, squinting at the ash-crusted stonework.
