“I am proficient with the … sport,” Rezkin replied, “but it is not my preference to compete in such a way. It is not a fighting technique that is suited to the battlefield. If you attempted to engage the enemy in such a way, you would be easily cut down. True battles are messy and lack rules of engagement. From your own experiences, I am sure you can appreciate that enemies, whether soldiers or bandits, will not adhere to any rules. Dueling is a brutal sport, but it is a sport, nonetheless. It was designed for the aristocracy to show off their Skills in a safe environment.”

“I quite agree,” stated General Marcum, “but that begs the question of why you intend to compete if you feel that way.”

Rezkin considered how to answer the general’s question. “Lieutenant Jimson made a few good points regarding the usefulness of such a competition. He said it was the only way he had to measure his progress relative to other duelists and claimed to have learned several new techniques from watching other combatants. The lieutenant also pointed out that the tournament is the only opportunity he had to observe a Swordmaster.”

“Hmm, that is all good and well for the lieutenant, but it does not explain why you wish to compete,” the general said.

Seeing that the general was not satisfied with his explanation, Rezkin merely shrugged and said, “I have my reasons.”

“Which are?” Marcum asked.

Rezkin met the general’s eyes and replied, “My own.”

Frisha took that moment to jump into the conversation. “Actually, I have decided to go to this tournament as well.”

“No,” General Marcum said flatly.

“What?” Frisha asked in surprise.

“I said, no. You will not be traveling alone with these men any longer. It is not appropriate. The fact that you had to in order to get here can be excused, but I cannot abide you doing so simply for the adventure.”

Frisha raised her chin in defiance and said, “All of my companions are honorable and most excellent protectors … except maybe Reaylin,” she remarked with repugnance, “but she is a woman, so that should not matter. One of your own lieutenants will be accompanying us. There is no reason to prevent me from joining them.”

Lady Adelina decided to add her opinion to the mix. “Frisha, dear. We are supposed to be preparing you to meet with prospective husbands. We cannot have you running off with other men for extended periods of time.”

“But, Aunt Adelina, I will have my entire life to be married. How many more opportunities might I have to go to the tournament? How many times have you gone? And your husband is the general of the army! Most of the noblemen will be at the competition, anyway. It will give me the opportunity to see them compete. Besides, Rezkin has offered his protection. I will be safe,” she said with confidence as she crossed her arms.