“And the other four? Where are they? Do they know he’s missing yet?” asked the lieutenant.

Rezkin shook his head. “They are no longer a threat.”

The ship’s captain and the lieutenant stared at Rezkin for a moment. Both looked to him as if they were faced with a wild animal. The lieutenant slowly nodded. “Rezkin indeed,” he said flatly.

The young warrior cocked his head. What did that mean?

The lieutenant said, “So, now we only have to worry about those on shore.”

“I think not,” said Captain Talwater. “I think it’s time we get movin’. Ain’t no point in sittin’ here waitin’ to get attacked.”

Rezkin shrugged and said, “That is true. That vessel is not going anywhere. I am not sure what they did to the other boat, but there is a massive hole in the hull. We are going to have to abandon this boat and travel by land.”

“I’ll not be abandonin’ my ship,” the captain huffed.

Rezkin shrugged, “You do not have to, but I imagine it will be at least a week after it has been reported before anyone can pass through here. You can go back to Justain. My companions and I will continue on our way. Whatever course the lieutenant chooses is up to him.”

Lieutenant Jimson rubbed his jaw in contemplation. “Our assigned duty is to guard the cargo, but our first duty is to protect the kingdom. If these brigands are willing to go to all this trouble and risk attacking kingdom soldiers, then they are aggressive.” He nodded as he came to a conclusion. “I will send half my men back to Justain under Second Lieutenant Swin’s command, and the rest will accompany me ashore. We will flush out the bandits, if we can, and continue to the fort at Lorelis to report. I assume you will be heading to Lorelis, as well, sir?” he said turning to look at Rezkin.

“I will discuss it with my companions, but most likely. Mine is the only horse, and the walk to Drennil would be much too long,” Rezkin replied.

The lieutenant nodded, and satisfied that everyone was clear on the plan, the three went about making preparations.

Rezkin rejoined Tam and Frisha and explained the situation, leaving out the part about the dead brigands on the other vessel. Strategically, he felt it would be best if they understood the situation in its entirety, but up to this point, they had always reacted poorly when faced with fear and confrontation. During his studies on human behavior, he had learned such was a possibility but had not really understood the reaction until he had witnessed it in truth. He still did not completely understand except that it could make sense that people who were surrounded by others with Skills they lacked might feel intimidated.

“So, we have to walk to Kaibain?” asked Tam.