Jimson understood, now, what happened, but it had not looked good at the time. Still, the young man had always acted the gentleman and seemed dedicated to the code by which he lived. Jimson should have known Rezkin was not attempting to take advantage of the women. If he was really honest with himself, he had to admit that some of his anger and assumptions at the time stemmed from his own jealousy and desire to protect Reaylin. He did not like the way the young woman had been staring at the warrior’s body.

After Rezkin ate what he could, he went about packing the rest of the belongings. Tam strode over to help him saddle the horses for the women, but the young man sensed Rezkin’s mood and wisely chose not to say anything. Rezkin kept trying to shake his foul mood, but it was as if now that the feeling had finally emerged, it refused to let go. Finally, the rest of the group claimed their mounts and the travelers were once again on their way.

Several hours had passed when Jimson decided it was time to approach the young warrior. He tried to fool himself into thinking it would be safer if they were both mounted. Catching up with the battle charger, Jimson waited a moment before speaking. When he finally did, he was appalled to hear his own voice quaking in fear. He was an officer in the King’s Army, and here he was afraid of talking to a young man. He would laugh at himself if the situation were not so serious. “Rezkin, I would like to speak to you about what happened earlier.”

“Go on,” Rezkin replied dispassionately. Rezkin did not look at the lieutenant but kept his eyes roving around them in search of hidden dangers—at least, that was why he told himself he was doing it.

Lieutenant Jimson continued. “You have to see the scene from my perspective. I mean, there you were standing naked over two women who were in the water screaming. And, you know, it is my duty, my honor, to protect the innocent people of this kingdom, particularly those with whom I am traveling. Surely you can understand that.”

Rezkin met the lieutenant’s eyes with an icy stare. “I understand your duty, Lieutenant, and I know how the scene must have looked to you. But, I also know that I have never given you reason to doubt my honor. My duty is to protect and honor my friends, which includes at least one of those women, and until I decide about the other, I will treat her has such, as well.