Upon witnessing Kael's approach, Garwin's legs gave out entirely. He collapsed backward against the trunk of a young sapling, his massive frame sliding down the bark until he sat crumpled in the dirt, hands raised before him in a gesture that had nothing to do with defense.
"P-Please—" His voice had lost every trace of the sneering bravado he had worn only hours ago in the hollow. "I didn't— I never wanted any of this— it was Vorrack, it was all Vorrack, I only—"
"Garwin—" Vorrack's voice cracked with warning, but Garwin was past listening, past reason, past anything but the desperate, drowning need to survive.
"It's him. He killed the Elder!" The words tumbled out in a frantic rush, spittle flying from his lips, his eyes never leaving the crimson glow burning in Kael's gaze. "He is the one who framed you! Please… please spare me! I'll confess everything—"
His plea ran out as he begged for his life. But Kael's expression showed no change. He remained as intimidating as before.
