“They used iron and steel beams and girders to create a frame. It was quite an engineering feat, and the engineers and mages who worked on it were rewarded handsomely,” the lieutenant replied.

“I just can’t wait to get to my uncle’s and have a hot bath. I am so tired of being dirty and smelly,” Frisha huffed. “I really don’t care about the rest of the city at this point.”

“That reminds me,” Jimson said. “Rezkin, where will you be staying and how long until you will be ready to leave for Skutton? I have a few messages to deliver, and I need to get the final letter of approval for my leave. Then, I will be free to go. How will I reach you?”

Just as Rezkin opened his mouth to reply, Frisha spoke instead. “He is going to be a guest at my uncle’s home. You should have no problem finding it. My uncle is General Marcum.”

Lieutenant Jimson and Reaylin, who was in serious pain but now able to ride her own horse, both whipped their heads around to stare at Frisha. “General Marcum is your uncle?” Jimson asked in disbelief.

“Yes, on my mother’s side,” Frisha replied with a slight flush at the attention.

Jimson looked over at Rezkin who was sitting as stoic as ever and realized, now, why the young warrior had been less than hopeful about his chances with the young lady. Even so, he did not see how the general could even consider rejecting the young man. Despite what Rezkin said, Jimson was certain he was nobility of some sort. With Rezkin’s knightly sense of honor, Jimson could not imagine he had done something to be disowned. Most importantly, though, Rezkin was a Sword Bearer, the highest honor in the kingdom—perhaps all of the kingdoms. He was favored by the king. How could the general argue with that?

Rezkin noticed Jimson’s questioning look and turned to Frisha. “Frisha, I am not sure the general will welcome unexpected guests. General Marcum does not know me and has no reason to trust me in his home. And, what about Reaylin? We cannot leave her alone somewhere, especially being injured as she is.”

Reaylin beamed at Rezkin’s thoughtfulness, but Frisha cast his worries aside. “Don’t worry, Rezkin. My uncle will be thrilled to have you. You have saved our lives several times over on this journey. Tam and I are well aware that we would not have made it here if it were not for you.” Frisha said this last with a dark look of acceptance typically reserved for those who knew they had done something so foolish they should have been dead from it. Almost belatedly, she gritted through her teeth. “I am sure Reaylin will be welcome to stay as well.”

Tam nodded vigorously. “It’s true, Rez. We both owe you our lives, and I’m sure Frisha’s uncle will recognize that. I think he would probably be more upset if he did not have the opportunity to host you. I know my ma and pa would dote on you like you were a long lost son.”