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.”

“Don’t worry about me,” Reaylin said. “I have plans to stay with some people already.”

“Very well.” Rezkin sighed. Returning to the lieutenant’s original question, Rezkin said, “Our departure will depend on how long the general intends to keep us as his guests. How long will it be before your uncle releases you to travel again, Frisha?”

Frisha’s face flushed. “I-I’m not sure. I am going to have to convince him first.”

“Wait, she is going to Skutton, too?” Reaylin nearly shouted.

Frisha scowled at her. It was obvious from her reaction that she thought she was going to have a shot at Rezkin once she had him away from Frisha.

“I’m going, too,” Tam blurted.

“I thought you were joining the army?” Rezkin inquired.