Darkley was not the kind of person who feared death.
If he were someone afraid of death, he wouldn't be doing this kind of work; instead, he should be settling down to farm or learn a craft, or engage in commerce.
The accurate description for someone like him is: he weighs the threats of death against the benefits of enduring those threats. Once it reaches a limit he can accept, the threat of death becomes tolerable.
Initially, Lann's performance undoubtedly exceeded the maximum risk Darkley could accept.
So he immediately wanted to turn and bolt.
But then, when he discovered 'certain' facts, he suddenly felt... this risk might not be as great as it appeared on the surface.
"I'm taking over temporary command now! Everyone obey my orders!"
In the midst of the chaotic Niflgaardian phalanx, Darkley suddenly shouted from the back.
Given the rank in the Niflgaard army, he indeed had the authority to command.
