Rezkin looked back at the young blonde woman who was now turned in her seat to observe the others. “This is Lieutenant Jimson of the King’s Army. This is Master Tamarin Blackwater, carpenter’s apprentice and also a prospective recruit. And this is Mistress Frisha, Tamarin’s charge. They are my friends and under my protection. I am Rezkin.”

Reaylin grinned back at him. “Rezkin? Really? That's awesome.”

When Reaylin stood to greet the others, he realized she really was small. He would almost think she was a small-woman if she was not already fully developed. She was at least half a head shorter than Frisha, which put her at just below his shoulders. He could understand why the army’s initial reaction was to reject her, except that he knew size was not akin to Skill or the lack thereof. He had already seen that these outworlders’ army training was sorely lacking, and with Reaylin’s small stature, she would be at a serious disadvantage unless her Skills surpassed those of her male counterparts.

Lieutenant Jimson bowed slightly to the young woman in proper greeting, and Tam attempted to imitate the soldier’s gesture. Frisha’s polite smile did not reach her eyes, but she remained friendly, nonetheless. Rezkin gathered from Frisha’s body language that she did not approve of the young woman who would be traveling with them for perhaps the next couple of months.

It would take the travelers about two weeks to arrive in Kaibain. From there, they could gain passage down the Tremadel River to Port Manai, which should take perhaps a week and a half. Due to the depth of the river, most ships traveling the Tremadel were galleons or carracks, which were much larger with deeper hulls and more sails than the smaller riverboats. The carrack could safely travel much faster and carry more passengers. Since the carracks were capable of sailing the sea and because of the high volume of travelers on the route for to the upcoming tournament, it was possible they could find a ship in Kaibain traveling all the way to Skutton, but the travelers would most likely have to transfer to another ship in Port Manai.

Jimson had explained that every year the tournament was held in a different capital city. Skutton was the farthest capital city to the south, and with it being located on an island, tournament planners were concerned about a low turnout. As a result, the kingdom was offering heftier prizes this year than in years past to encourage participants to make the long voyage.

After everyone greeted the newest group member, Rezkin asked the lieutenant, “Do you think the colonel would part with another horse?”

Jimson glanced at Rezkin’s Sheyalins. “I think he would be willing to provide you with anything you require should you ask.”

Reaylin perked up and asked with a little too much exuberance, “Why? Are you someone important?”