The soldiers felt such relief that they abruptly relaxed and felt happier than they probably should have considering they had just engaged in a deadly battle. Tam and Frisha were huddled together by the fire staring at the strange spectacle. They had not seen what initially caused the confrontation between Rez and the soldiers, but they were relieved that it appeared to be over.

Rezkin strode over to his friends, and Frisha threw herself into his arms. He stiffened, but forced himself to relax. He reminded himself that the young woman was not attacking him, and physical contact was normal in the outworld.

As soon as Frisha was in Rezkin’s arms, the tears started flowing. She had been so frightened while they were surrounded by all those vicious bandits. When she realized Rezkin was nowhere to be seen, she nearly panicked. Only Tam’s steady presence had reassured her and kept her from completely losing her wits. Tam had assured her that Rezkin must have gone to help the soldiers fight off the bandits. As a dueler, he would have enough skill to fight some of them, if he was any good. Thinking of it that way, Frisha nearly panicked all over again. What if something happened to Rez? What if he was killed?

“Don’t do that!” She couldn’t help but holler as she pounded a fist into his tight, oh so muscular chest.

“Do what?” Rezkin asked, utterly confused by the woman’s sudden anger. If she was angry with him, why was she clinging to him?

“Run off like that! You could have been killed!” She hiccupped.

Rezkin took the woman by the shoulders and held her at arm’s length as he captured her gaze. “I assure you that I am aware of my limitations. At no time did I put myself in unnecessary or overwhelming danger. At all times, I was cognizant of Rules 8, 47, 147, 239, and 245. Of course, there are several other Rules that apply, but you understand what I am saying.”

Wiping her eyes and sniffling, Frisha furrowed her brow and shook her head in confusion. “No, I don't think I do,” she said quietly.

Rezkin waved away the concern. This was not the time to remind the woman of the Rules that should have been ingrained in her mind by now. “I was safe enough, is what I am saying.” Changing the subject, he said to Tam, “You are well? You were not injured?”

“No, I’m fine, Rez. I didn’t have to fight any of them. I was scared out of my mind, though. Some soldier I’ll make,” he said with chagrin.

“You would have fought them if one had come at you or Frisha?” Rez asked.

“Yes, of course,” Tam said as though it did not actually need to be said.