For Luke, Baldon had never been a good husband. He treated Roxanne poorly, neglected her, and yet still expected her to remain devoted to him. As a man, Baldon had never earned Luke's respect.
But Luke still honored him as the chief of the village.
Baldon was a good leader, someone who never hesitated to put his own life at risk when it came to protecting his people, regardless of whatever flaws he might have had.
Just like now.
When the ambushers demanded three challengers and specifically excluded Kalish, Baldon could have remained silent and allowed Kalish to make the sacrifices instead. No one would have blamed him for doing so.
But Baldon stepped forward because those men had threatened the lives of his people.
Perhaps he was only trying to earn Kalish's favor and prove his loyalty to the villagers. Perhaps there were other reasons behind his decision. Luke did not know.
