Rezkin was more confused now than ever. Perhaps he truly was not yet ready to be a full-grown big-man. He could not even understand what Rule 1 meant, much less put it into practice. For that matter, Rule 2 did not make sense either. Kill with conscience. What, for the sake of the masters, was conscience? It did not sound like any weapon he had been trained to use. And, why would there be a Rule to use only one weapon when he had been trained to master Skills using many weapons. Rule 233 clearly stated that he was the weapon, and anything else was actually just a tool. So, maybe this conscience had something to do with him. Maybe it was a type of knowledge. Yes, that would make sense. But, where was he to gain this knowledge with the masters and strikers dead?

Farson might know. The masters had been secretive about Rules 1 and 2, but it was possible that Farson had been allowed this knowledge. The only way to get Farson to talk would be to torture him. Farson certainly knew Rule 3—Reveal nothing. Any amount of torture Rezkin could inflict upon him would probably be for naught, and if Farson did talk, it was unlikely he would be truthful. How could Rezkin ever know if what he was told was accurate? No, he could not ask Farson.

Rezkin wandered among the bodies to make sure they were all truly dead. This whole situation made no sense. Why did he have to kill the strikers? Why did the masters kill each other? In the end, he decided the only way to get answers would be to adhere to Rule 1—Protect and honor your friends. Now, he just had to find these friends. Perhaps he could ask them what conscience was. Surely, if they were the subjects of Rule 1, they would know.

Rezkin headed back into the fortress to get some help with disposing of the bodies. The only people left would be the cook, his two assistants, and the healer’s two assistants. Peider had been the true healer in the fortress, but he kept two others who provided healing when he was busy. Upon entering the kitchen, Rezkin realized he would be getting no assistance. The cook and his two assistants were dead. Rezkin knew the healers would be dead, as well, but he went to check anyway. Once he confirmed his suspicions, he headed to the washroom. He had already concluded that he could not take the time to bury everyone since he did not know Farson’s intentions.

Rezkin had never thought Farson a coward, but this disappearance was curious. He thought about it in terms he understood. Farson had failed to kill him or even engage him as far as Rezkin could remember, which would go against Rule 258—Obey your masters and 176—Finish your tasks. But, had Farson been ordered to attack him?