“I have said it before, and I will say it again. I have little care for propriety except for that which is necessary to honor my friends. But, when propriety interferes with my ability to protect my friends, I will not hesitate to cast it aside. I heard a scream and saw people thrashing about in the water. I ran as quickly as I could to lend aid or protection. My appearance when I arrived was insignificant.” Rezkin grunted. “I did not expect to arrive and find the women fighting each other.”

Jimson shifted uncomfortably in the saddle and replied, “I know what happened. The women told me. I was out of line when I questioned your honor and threatened you. The truth is …”—he reached up and nervously rubbed the back of his neck—“well…I guess I was a little jealous. I got angry.”

Rezkin looked askance. “Jealous of what?” he asked in dismay.

“You, of course,” Jimson said. The look of utter confusion on Rezkin’s face convinced him more than anything that the young man was oblivious to the real heart of the matter. “Do you know what the women were fighting over?” he asked.

Rezkin shook his head. “I cannot imagine. Those two have not liked each other since they met. It is strange to me since I see so many similarities between them.”

Jimson shook his head and laughed. “You really do not know. The thing is, I like Reaylin.”

“I like Reaylin, as well,” Rezkin stated factually.

Jimson sighed and replied, “No, I mean, I am attracted to her. And, it is obvious to me … to everyone, actually … that you are attracted to Frisha. The problem is that both women want you.”

Rezkin furrowed his brow. He was attracted to Frisha? He was not so certain of that. He thought for sure he would know if he was attracted to a woman. He was more interested in Frisha than Reaylin, so maybe that did mean he was attracted to her. He would have to ponder the idea another time.

“So, what was the fight about?” Rezkin asked in confusion.

Jimson rolled his eyes and stated, “You!”

“Why were they fighting about me? I did nothing to anger either of them as far as I know,” Rezkin said.

“They were not fighting over something you did. They were fighting over you. They both want you, and they were fighting over who would have you,” Jimson explained patiently. He was realizing that although Rezkin was an amazingly talented and intelligent warrior, he was completely oblivious when it came to women.

“Why would they fight about that? It is not as if the outcome of the fight would guarantee that I would choose the winner,” Rezkin remarked.

“Maybe not, but if I were to pursue Frisha, would you not feel inclined to fight me?” Jimson asked.