Rezkin furrowed his brow and cocked his head in thought. “I made no threats of violence, and I drew no weapons. I allowed you to take the lead, but when I could see the man was trying to take advantage of you, I had to intercede. I tried to be more than fair, and when it did not work, I simply told him how it was going to be. If you were to ask the old man now, you would probably find that he is more grateful than upset since I have not turned him in to the authorities.”

“I know,” Tam huffed in impatience and threw his hands in the air. “Nothing you did was wrong. In fact, you were impeccable … as always. It’s just … you don’t even know, do you?”

“Know what?” asked Rezkin, completely at a loss.

“What you do to people. In here,” he said, pointing to his head. “You’re so calm and self-assured, and your eyes …” He shook his head, struggling to get his point across. “You’re so intimidating, just your very presence. It’s like you’re more than a man,” he said and then stared at Rezkin as though seeing him for the first time. A small smile graced his lips as he continued. “But, you’re not, are you? No, of course not. You haven’t hurt anyone. It’s just in our heads—all that fear.” His look grew curious. “How old are you, Rez?”

Rezkin’s brow furrowed. He did not know what his age had to do with the conversation, but he answered anyway. “Nineteen.”

Tam barked a hearty laugh. “No way! I don’t believe you.”

Rezkin shrugged. “I am.”

Shaking his head in amazement, Tam replied, “I think we had you all wrong, Rez. You’re really kind of a softy wrapped in a scary package.”

Now, Rezkin was really confused. He had never thought anyone would ever call him soft. Nothing Tam was saying made any sense. How could he seem like more than a man? Before he could reply, Roxie and Pot returned with buckets of water and then hurried out to retrieve more.

Not wanting to return to the confusing conversation, Rezkin changed the subject. “What are you reading?” he asked, nodding toward the book on Tam’s bed.

“Oh, it’s the Tales of the Shadow Knight,” Tam said with a wide grin, as though he was laughing at some unsaid joke.

“It sounds like a book of fiction. Is it good?” asked Rez curiously.

Tam’s face fell, and he exclaimed, “Surely you’ve read it?”

Rezkin frowned and shook his head. “No, I have never heard of it.”

“But …” Tam started to protest but was once again interrupted by the water bearers. A moment after they left, there was a soft tap at the door. Tam answered to Frisha standing out in the hall.

“Are you coming to dinner?” she asked her companion.