Rukelion didn't truly think Conrad would sell him out. His loyalty had already been bought when he saved his life.
Taking a deep breath, he began to tell the truth. "The king of Mirea decided to destroy the entire country of Katalya unprovoked and used the Aveleenian water mages to make it happen. I still don't know why he did it…though I do have some suspicions.
"I saw it all happen. It was a completely one-sided slaughter. The Katalyans had no warning whatsoever. Not only were they outnumbered, they were outmatched because they were fighting against horrendously strong plant magic without having the benefit of using their own. Water nullifies fire, after all.
"As far as I'm aware, I'm the sole survivor and that was only because I played dead. The king LAUGHED when he saw me surrounded by my dead family members. How do you think I'd feel running into him again after that?"'
