“And, what do you think?” Frisha asked in wide-eyed amazement.

The lieutenant’s face went blank, and he judiciously replied, “I think it is considered treason to speak against the king.” He gave the young woman a stern look that said not to ask any more questions.

“Right, of course,” Frisha whispered as she sat back in her chair.

The lieutenant raised his voice again to a normal level. “So, partly in thanks for your assistance against the bandits, and partly in hopes that you will assist me in delivering my message to Kaibain, the colonel has agreed to lend you a couple of horses. My duty is simply to deliver the message, and then I will be free to go to the tournament. I had hoped we could travel together?”

All three nodded assent as Frisha said, “Of course, lieutenant, you must come with us. It would make me feel so much better having you along. I can’t imagine what would happen if we were attacked on the trade route.”

The lieutenant glanced at Rezkin and grunted. “I imagine you would be just fine, but it is better to travel in numbers, just the same.” Rezkin was listening to the conversation, but much of his attention was focused on a different young woman sitting at a table nearby. She was leaning over a little too far to be casual, and it was obvious she was listening to their conversation. He could not see her face since she was mostly turned away, but what he could see of her was atypical of outworlder fashion.

Frisha noticed Rezkin was staring at the girl sitting at the table next to them and could not help the surge of jealousy that heated her blood. She decided to call him out on his inattention to their conversation. “Rezkin, what do you think?”

Rezkin allowed his eyes to rove over the other patrons to see if anyone else was acting suspiciously but kept a close eye on the young woman. “I think it will be advantageous for all parties for the lieutenant to travel with us. As he said, it is safer to travel in numbers. In addition, he can assist in training the two of you in the use of your new weapons and help keep watch during the night. In return, I can ensure that his message is delivered per his orders. Traveling together to the tournament seems most efficient since group passage is usually cheaper, and his credentials will make our travel smoother. Most importantly, though, is that I prefer to keep my friends close, so having him with us means I can continue to remain dedicated to Rule 1.”

Frisha frowned. She had not thought he was paying attention. Mostly, she just did not like him staring at another woman.