“Save your lies for someone who cares to hear them,” Rezkin said with a frown. “There are quite a few things I require, but I will not be purchasing them from you. I will be reporting your business practices to the Healer’s Guild, so we will see how they feel. Let them deal with you.”

With that Rezkin motioned Tam and Frisha toward the door. As they exited the shop, the herbalist frantically called out, “My lord, wait, please. I may have been mistaken. Sparywort, did you say? My lord …” She was cut off as the door closed behind them.

“What was that all about?” Tam asked.

“The woman was a thief and charlatan. I cannot imagine she always conducts her business in such a way, or she would not have a license to operate. Items always cost more in the city, but everything in that shop was priced at least three or four times what it should cost. I think she was trying to swindle me because of my age. She probably thought I was some struggling healer’s apprentice who knows no better.”

Frisha gasped, “That’s even worse! That would mean she is stealing money from those who have the least and are struggling to make something of their lives.”

Rezkin nodded once. “Exactly, which is why she needs to be reported.”

“I agree,” Frisha responded. “Do you think she does that to everyone or just you for some reason?”

“It is possible she thought I was a noble who could afford it,” Rezkin replied.

Tam looked at him sideways, “A lot of people seem to think you’re a noble. I can’t say I disagree.”

Rezkin shrugged but said nothing.

The trio headed to the Healer’s Guild to report the herbalist’s underhanded business practices. An elderly man with white hair that stuck up all over his head recorded the information Rezkin provided. The man was kind enough to give the young people the names of a few shops where they could purchase supplies at a reasonable price. After visiting one of the shops mentioned by the old healer, they returned to the general’s estate. By the time they arrived it was already close to the dinner hour.

That evening at dinner, General Marcum asked, “So, Tamarin, when will you be visiting the recruiter’s office?”

“I’ve decided to wait until after the tournament. Rezkin, Lieutenant Jimson, and Reaylin are all going to compete, and I’m going with them,” Tam replied.

“Are you? I did not realize you were a duelist, Rezkin,” General Marcum remarked with an underlying hint of disapproval.

“I am not,” Rezkin replied, “but I am capable.”

“What? I thought you were a duelist,” Tam replied. “You told Jimson that you duel.”