“Oh, I do love the sea. Ain’t nothing more beautiful or fright’nin. She ken hold ye in ’er grasp, nurture ye, care fer ye. She gives ye yer food and livelihood and soothes ye with her song. But, she can be a fierce mistress, that she be. When she be angry, she’ll destroy all in ’er path and ain’t nothin’ ken stop ’er. Ye gotta be ’umble ta survive on the sea.”

Frisha’s gaze fell on Rez as the old man spoke. His movements were smooth and sure with catlike grace. The lamplight glinted off the crossbar of his sword and she was reminded of its deadly edge. He caught her staring and graced her with a beatific smile. “Yes,” she replied absently to the sailor, “I think I understand perfectly.”

Tam spied Frisha while she was absorbed with watching Rez. He knew Frisha was completely enamored with their new friend, and he only hoped it did not end in heartache for her. He was reminded, again, that neither had discovered Rez’s purpose for traveling to Kaibain and resolved to ask him at his first opportunity. For all they knew, Rez was on his way to claim his bride. At least he was fairly sure Rez was not the type to string Frisha along. He did not think their new friend would encourage Frisha’s attentions if he did not feel something in return. As it was, he did not think the warrior realized how smitten the girl was. Tam decided not to intervene unless it really became necessary.

A loud shout sounded from above, and the floor lurched, as did the walls and ceiling. The boat was moving. Tam stumbled and caught Frisha as she fell into him. Rezkin merely lowered his center of gravity while he adjusted to the movements. It felt much like balancing on the teeter logs during his training. The strikers would impale a log on a stake and made him stand upon it and maintain his balance as they pushed it from side to side and up and down. The practice eventually evolved to include weapons forms and combat. He had thought at the time that it was simply for strength and balance training, but he now realized it was perfect preparation for travel by water. So far this was much gentler than the teeter logs.

Nate chuckled. “Ye’ll get yer sea legs in no time, don’t ye worry. This be nothin’ compared to the sea. Aye, the river’s goin’ swiftly in one direction, an’ it do rock a bit from side ta side, but there not be much o’ the ups and downs. Ye should come a’deck an’ watch the banks while ye get adjusted. Don’t want ye gettin’ sick.”