By the next day, the mood of the group had lifted. Rezkin no longer held a grudge against Jimson, and the women had somehow developed an unspoken, tentative pact of nonaggression. Rezkin had decided not to confront the women about the incident. He knew from his studies that many disagreements, and even wars, had been fought because of jealousy. Never had he considered that he might be the object of such strife.

Rezkin was still not convinced the lieutenant had the right of the confrontation. The whole scenario seemed illogical at best. His masters had warned him, though, that matters of the heart were almost always illogical. The teachings had been warnings so that he would not underestimate the potential actions of a desperate man … or woman. Women could be every bit as vicious as men, and they were often subtler. They tended to use poisons and deceit rather than steel.

It was still a few days until they reached Kaibain, and the companions were weary from travel. The morning and afternoon were spent mostly in silent contemplation with the occasional conversation or story. The normally quiet Lieutenant Jimson had many interesting stories about his life as a soldier. While he had not actually seen any true battles in war, his duties in escorting military supplies meant that he had traveled over much of Ashai.

It was during one of Jimson’s intriguing tales that Rezkin noticed a slight disturbance in the foliage ahead. Although he saw no movement, his instincts were telling him they were approaching danger. The energy that always preceded battle seeped through him like a fiery stream. Catching Jimson’s eye, he made a few standard military hand signals to indicate the man should continue talking but be on alert and ready for action.

Jimson continued his story while allowing his horse to fall back gradually as though he was placing himself closer to his most avid listeners. Rezkin grinned and nodded in all the right places as though he was caught up in the story, as well. The lieutenant made a quick motion behind his back hoping Tam would get the message. He did not want the group strung out during an attack. Tam looked confused at first but seemed to recognize the change in his companions’ behavior. He anxiously sped up to join Jimson and the women.

As soon as the travelers reached the location of the disturbance, Rezkin commanded his steed into battle, charging into the brush lining the eastern side of the road. Lieutenant Jimson reached out and unceremoniously yanked both women from their saddles just as a crossbow bolt whizzed through the air. Kicking his horse into motion, he charged into the thickets on the western side of the road straight at the exposed crossbowman. Before he could reload, Jimson was upon him. The man turned to run, but the soldier leaned over from his mount and ended the bandit with a wicked slash.