Rezkin thought about it and then shrugged, “If Frisha wanted you, then I would respect her decision. In all, you are a respectable man who can provide for her. You would be a decent choice. Besides, I have no rightful claim to the woman. She is to select a husband from among the nobles.”

“What?” Jimson blurted in surprise. “But, I thought … I mean, she is obviously smitten with you. I thought for certain the two of you were together.”

Rezkin nodded. “We are together in that I am her friend and will protect her as long as I can. She agreed to travel with me, but her purpose in going to Kaibain is to select a husband. Her uncle is arranging the marriage prospects as we speak.”

Jimson glanced back at the young woman in question. She was riding far enough back that she could not hear what was being said but was watching them curiously. The dark bruising around her eye stood out against her pale skin.

“I am not so sure that anything her uncle arranges will come to fruition. I am no expert, but I believe she has already made her choice,” Jimson stated.

Rezkin looked at him quizzically and then turned to see what Jimson was observing. When his gaze fell on Frisha, the young woman gave a start, suddenly realizing the men must have been talking about her. She abruptly hid her face in her long brown hair. She normally wore it pulled back on the road, but she appeared to be trying to hide the bruising on her face.

Hating to do it, but needing the assurance, Jimson turned the conversation back to the original reason he had approached Rezkin. “So, are we good? You and me?” he asked tentatively.

Rezkin sighed deeply and answered, “Yes, but heed my warning. I tell you this now because you are my friend. As I said before, if you ever issue that challenge against me in truth, I will kill you because I know I will have done nothing to warrant such a challenge.”

Jimson considered Rezkin for a moment. He had no doubt the young warrior would follow through with his promise. And, that is what it was—a promise. The statement was not a threat. Rezkin was truly warning his friend. If Jimson ever attacked Rezkin without just cause, and Rezkin insisted he would never give just cause, then he expected the warrior to defend himself. He also knew Rezkin would win, and he would die. It was a statement of fact—one that the soldier in him could appreciate.

Jimson gave a curt nod and said, “Fair enough.”