Rezkin did not ask why Tam was upset with Frisha. It was none of his business, and he really did not wish to get involved in a dispute between his friends. What if they asked him to choose a side? He would not be able to honor one without dishonoring the other.

“Rezkin, may I speak with you for a moment?” Frisha asked anxiously.

Were they not already speaking? “Of course,” he replied.

“When … when we’re in Kaibain,” she said, “it’s just … I don’t want you to go. I want to be with you.”

Rezkin nodded. “Then you can come with me,” he replied.

Frisha’s eyes widened. “Come with you?”

He nodded once again. “To the tournament,” he said.

“You … you would like me to go with you?” Frisha asked in pleasant surprise.

“I want you to always be with me,” he stated with resolve. It was so much easier to protect her when she was with him. He had been fretting over how to do so when he would be so far away. If she came with him, it would solve his dilemma.

“You do?” she beamed excitedly.

“Yes, of course,” he said. “That is, unless you marry one of those nobles. I cannot see taking you with me after that.”

Frisha was tearing up now. “Oh, Rez, I don’t want to marry a noble.”

“Good, then it is settled. You will come with me,” Rezkin stated with finality and gave her his best smile.

Frisha swooned in happiness.

After finishing his late breakfast, Rezkin took Tam and Frisha into the courtyard where he started Frisha’s training with throwing knives and continued Tam’s sword lessons. After breaking for the midday meal, Frisha and Tam needed to go to the market for supplies, and Rezkin felt obliged to accompany them. On the way out of the inn, they encountered Reaylin, who made an extra effort to step into their path, effectively bringing them to a halt.

“Where are you guys going?” she asked. She had a way of speaking a little too loudly even when raised voices were not required.

Tam looked at her sideways. “We are going to the market,” he replied.

“Great! Let’s go,” Reaylin nearly shouted. Tam scowled at the young woman’s audacity. She had not even been invited, and now she was ordering them around.