Rezkin had gotten up earlier than the others, as usual, and set about practicing his sword forms. Afterward, he had gone back to his room and packed and dressed, which woke Tam. Finally, he ate a quick breakfast and headed to the stables to prepare Pride while he waited for the others to break their fast. When he had finished with Pride and his pack had been secured on the horse’s back, he led the anxious battle charger to the front of the inn. Dropping the reins so that the horse knew not to move, he headed back inside to retrieve his companions. He had little fear that anyone would steal from his horse, since the aggressive steed would probably bite off the would-be thief’s head.

When he entered the common room, Frisha and Tam had just finished their meal and were busy gathering their packs. Rezkin thought they were carrying a bit too much for travel to Kaibain, but he had never asked Frisha why she was going to the city. Rezkin shook his head. There was no way those two would be carrying all of that to the docks. He would have to strap some of it to his horse. Some people might have thought it amusing to see a battle charger used as packhorse. Any decent military man would see it as sacrilege.

Upon exiting the inn, Frisha stopped and gasped, “That is your horse?”

Rezkin looked back and forth between horse and woman. “Yes?”

“But, it’s huge!” she exclaimed.

“And scary,” added a slack-jawed Tam.

The young warrior nodded and said, “He is supposed to be. Give me some of your packs. I will strap them onto his back. Do not go near him, though. He will kick and bite.”

Frisha asked, “Is he so mean?”

“No, not mean. It is just his training. He acts like he is supposed to,” Rezkin replied. Remembering how Pot had said horses should have a name, Rezkin added, “His name is Pride.”

Frisha crossed her arms and said, “It suits him.”

As the young travelers left the inn, Roxie came to stand on the front stoop wiping away tears. Rezkin did not bother to concern himself with it since the woman did not appear to be injured, but Frisha hid a smug grin. She felt for the girl because it was so obvious that she liked Rez, but Frisha had to admit she had been a little jealous of the girl’s constant ministrations and hovering around the handsome warrior. Frisha was glad that she did not have to say goodbye to Rez.