His choices were wrong.
They sent him to intimidate some merchants. A simple shakedown, a little gold for a little bluster, harmless. I could have stepped in, but I didn't, I let him make his own mistakes. It went wrong. The merchant had protection and the standoff got violent. It's amazing how one tiny blade can do so much damage.
I should have taken more control. I should have stepped in ... but I didn't, and now he's gone.
The one good thing I've made in this world.