Barrier Gulch desire and need and failure all spell out

Kemal's entire life had been spent surrounded by smooth-talking diplomats and strategic warriors. He knew words could be cheap, because they often were not genuine.. but were carefully planned actions any different? He had learned to appreciate those who spoke from the heart from his late wife, and he hoped to gather some of her spirit now.

No cheap tricks, no planted smiles or unkind lies. Kemal wasn't so sure he had it in him to be anything but blunt - more often when things were unpleasant, he wouldn't speak at all.

Soto was not a fit leader. It was as simple as that. He let Verapaz grow weak, sat by while those who admired him the most died. He could feel his temper building, and took a breath with hopes of cooling it. Deaths could have been avoided. Soto took no action to stop them, and no action to warn enemies after. Jowls twitched as he fell into momentary silence. Fiamma, then Arslan. They had both looked to the segundo with admiration.

Now they were buried in shallow graves.

I did not crave power. I destroyed him to give Verapaz new life.

And he swore to himself that he would. They could leave the pass behind, bring justice to enemies, regrow in a new home. It was all Kemal wanted now, and if who lingered now stayed under his rule, he was confident it could happen.

Move the pack. Disrupt the caldera. Bring glory to Verapaz.