“No,” Rezkin stated flatly. Reaylin continued to blink at him questioningly, and the lieutenant seemed to recognize the need to appease her curiosity without causing Rezkin any problems.

“He recently helped us with a small matter, and the colonel feels indebted to him. It really is not a big deal. We will return the mounts to the army stables in Kaibain once we arrive.”

“Oh,” she replied cheerfully, “so I get a horse?”

Rezkin nodded and asked, “Do you know how to ride?”

“Oh, sure,” she said with a grin. “I’ve ridden lots of times. Don’t worry about me!”

Frisha and Tam were eyeing each other nervously. “Um, I’ve never ridden a horse,” Frisha said quietly.

“Tam?” Rezkin asked, already knowing the answer.

“Well, I sat atop my master’s mule a few times when I was younger. I, ah, usually drove the wagon,” Tam replied, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment.

Rezkin simply nodded in resignation. How did any of these people ever grow to be big-men and big-women? “It is another Skill you will have to learn on the way,” he stated.

Turning to Reaylin, Rezkin said, “We are leaving the morning after tomorrow. Be sure you have enough supplies. If you have any questions about what you might need, ask the lieutenant or me.” He eyed here analytically. “You are suitably dressed and well-armed.”

Frisha caught Rezkin’s perusal of Reaylin’s body and thought she might throw something at him if she had anything at hand. She had never seen Rezkin look at her that way. “What about me?” she asked, knowing she sounded like a petulant child.

Rezkin cocked his head at her. “You know I approve of your attire, Frisha. You have always been more practical than other women I have seen. Now that you have those,”—he pointed to the bundle of throwing knives he had given her,—“you, too, will be sufficiently armed.”

Now that he had reminded her of the extraordinary gift and complimented her appearance, she felt silly for her reaction. Rez had been nothing but perfect since she met him, and here she was acting like a jealous lover. She blushed at the thought. Would she ever be able to call Rez her lover?

Tam rolled his eyes at Frisha’s ridiculous distress. He asked, “Shall we all sit down and have a meal? I believe they are serving, now. I see a few people have already received their plates, and I’m famished.” Jimson pulled out a chair for Reaylin to join them, and everyone retook their seats. Tam surreptitiously moved around to Rez’s seat, so the young warrior would be forced to sit next to Frisha.