“Well, I am … I mean, I will … after the tournament,” Tam replied. “Oh, come on, everyone else is going, and it will be exciting. It’s not like the army is going anywhere. Besides, who knows when I’ll get another chance to see the King’s Tournament? And, I did take an Oath of Protection for Frisha. Even if she doesn’t really need me with you around, Rez, I still must honor my oath.”

“Your oath ends when we get to my uncle’s home, Tam,” Frisha remarked, “but I for one, will be glad of your company.”

Lieutenant Jimson, ever efficient, brought the conversation back to the point. “When you decide upon our departure, send word to me at the main barracks. Although I look forward to the respite, I hope it will not be more than a few days. It is a long journey to Skutton, and you never know what troubles we may encounter,” he stated glumly as he remembered all that had gone awry thus far.

After a few moments, Lieutenant Jimson came to a decision and called Rezkin aside for a private chat. The two rode side by side a few good paces out of earshot from the rest of the party. “Rezkin, as you know, I was given some messages to deliver upon arrival in Kaibain. One of those is addressed to General Marcum, and it is regarding you.”

“Me?” Rezkin asked, feigning surprise. “What would it have to say about me, and how do you know what it says?”

“Colonel Simmons had me review the letter for accuracy before it was sealed. It is nothing, really. It just explains who you are and describes your actions and assistance in fighting the bandits back at the River Straei. It does identify you as a sword bearer, which is why I think the colonel thought the matter should be brought to the general’s attention. Neither of us had heard of anyone being granted a Sheyalin in a couple of decades, so your showing up with not one but two was odd, especially at your age. I just thought you should know since you will be staying in the general’s home. I did not want things to be too awkward for you. Your actions saved our lives. If not for you, we all would probably be dead, and Reaylin … Well, just, thank you. I will not forget.”

“I appreciate you letting me know,” Rezkin replied. “Of course, I would not ask you to forsake your duty and not deliver the letter, but I will ask that you simply wait a few days. I would like to get to know the man on my own before he starts making assumptions based on the fact that I bear these blades.”