I am in the same camp as those that believe Belkar's death is very swiftly approaching at the hands of Durkula.

The fuse was lit on Belkar's character development long ago and we have been seeing a lot of positive, yet plausible, traits come out of it lately. When Durkon, the voice of reason and compassion, intervened and died on his behalf, I think some of that responsibility fell on Belkar. The strip where he relates the story to Roy and Co. hit hard.

I think we see Belkar risking himself to get Durkon back and losing the gamble, possibly with V and Roy recognizing and acknowledging his worth.