“Why is that?” Rezkin asked, suddenly alert. Had Tam picked up on some sign Rezkin had missed that indicated the woman was a threat?

“I just … I don’t trust her. I don’t know why, but there is something wrong with that girl,” Tam replied.

Rezkin nodded and said, “You should listen to your instincts. Sometimes your mind picks up more than your consciousness. We will keep an eye on her, and if she becomes a problem, I will take care of it.”

Tam eyed Rezkin quizzically and then shrugged. “You’re the expert on women. I’ll leave it up to you.”

Several more days passed, each nearly identical to the last. They would rise at dawn, ride until midday when they would break for lunch, and then ride until about an hour or two before sunset. In the evenings, Rezkin trained his friends, including Lieutenant Jimson and Reaylin, in their various weapons.

After Reaylin had stormed off the first night, she had sulked for a while and remained aloof around Rezkin. There was no end to her annoyance of Tam and Frisha, though. It was as if she was taking out her anger toward Rezkin on his friends. The girl was hotheaded, defensive, and prone to bragging. She went on and on about her exploits as a warrior, which were no doubt largely fictionalized. Jimson tried to maintain a distance from the whole mess. Reaylin mostly ignored his presence, probably only because he was an army officer.

One day, after the midday meal, Frisha invited Rezkin to take a stroll with her before they continued their ride. She said she needed to stretch her legs, but she really just wanted to opportunity to be alone with the handsome warrior. When they returned to the group, they were speaking amicably, and Frisha was smiling and laughing softly.

Reaylin decided she had to put aside her sore feelings and try another method if she was going to get Rezkin to notice her.

That night as the others were setting up camp, Reaylin approached Rezkin once again. “Rez?” she said sweetly. “My I speak with you a moment?”

“Of course,” he replied. The two walked a few paces away from camp to speak in private.

Tam and Frisha watched Rez and Reaylin walk into the deepening shadows. Frisha scowled and huffed, “What is that hussy up to, now?”

Tam shrugged, “I don’t know, but I wouldn’t worry about it. Rez can handle himself.”

Frisha turned her glare on her best friend, “I’m not worried about him handling himself. I worried about him handling her.”

The young man sighed loudly. “Oh, come on, Frisha. You know he’s totally smitten with you. He doesn’t want Reaylin. He’s probably just going to have a talk with her about how annoying she’s being. I know I would be glad for it to stop.”