“Frisha,” Tam said, interrupting her musings, “you really shouldn’t push him like that. It’s too soon. I’m sure he’s trying not to think about it at the moment. Even as a duelist, he would not be used to death. It’s rare that a duel is fought to the death. He’s probably never even had to fight anyone outside of a dueling ring, much less a host of murderous bandits. Just give him some space. With whatever he’s going through, he was still taking the time to try to make us feel better.”

Frisha sighed. “I know, you’re right, Tam. He’s just such a noble man. It’s hard to think of him being exposed to such terrible men on our behalf.”

“There, now you’re the one calling him a noble,” Tam jibed.

Frisha huffed. “No, I didn’t mean that kind of noble. I meant his character. Oh, you know what I mean.”

Lieutenant Jimson had finally gotten up the nerve to confront Rezkin now that the adrenalin from the battle was fading. He called the strange warrior aside to talk in hopes that he could make things clear. Rezkin joined the lieutenant at the edge of camp, out of earshot of the others.

“You were going easy on me?” the lieutenant asked.

Rezkin cocked his head in confusion.

“When we were dueling. You were hardly trying,” Jimson said.

“No, I was definitely trying. It is not easy to limit one’s Skill. If I had engaged you with my full Skills, there would have been no practice,” he stated succinctly with no hint of conceit.

The lieutenant stared at the young man, who was at least several years younger than he. “You are a swordmaster.” It was a statement, not a question.

“Yes,” Rezkin said.

“You are not a duelist.” Again, a statement.

“Not by profession,” the young warrior answered.

“Then you are …”

Rezkin simply shrugged.

Jimson, deciding not to push it, released a heavy breath. “Then, I am glad you are a friend and not foe.”

Rezkin was surprised. This man was a friend as well? Why had he not said so when they first met? Now, he was even more grateful that he had managed to keep the man from getting himself killed. He could have failed in his purpose without even knowing he had done so. Just to be sure, though, he decided to check with Frisha about the validity of the assertion. She seemed to know about such things.

Even so, Rezkin nodded and stated, “Rule 1—Protect and honor your friends.”

Jimson looked thoughtful and smiled as he said, “Yes, that is a decent rule by which to live.” He glanced at the horizon and continued, “The sun will be up soon, and if it is alright with you, sir, we should be moving before the blood and bodies attract predators.”