General Marcum took the opportunity to start the conversation. “I was just telling Rezkin that I have decided to allow Frisha to travel to the tournament with you all; however, there are some stipulations.” Tam and Jimson glanced at each other and then at Rezkin as the general continued. “As you know, for propriety’s sake, I cannot allow a young woman like Frisha to travel such a distance without a proper escort.” General Marcum directed a pointed look at Reaylin to show his derision for her own traveling choices.

“I have found a suitable solution,” Marcum announced. “My brother Simeon, the Count of Glasbury, has two sons who have expressed an interest in participating in the tournament. As blood relations, they will serve as suitable escorts for Frisha.” The general sighed and said, “I believe my nephews intend to bring a friend along as well. All the talk of Frisha going to the tournament has drawn the interest of their sister, and now she also wishes to attend.”

Redirecting his attention to Captain Jimson, the general said, “I am retracting the approval for your leave.” Jimson startled but settled as Marcum continued. “Your assignment is to provide escort for my nephews and nieces to and from the tournament. During the tournament, you are free to do as you please. I will assign you a couple of additional men, and Simeon will send a few of his own guard, as well.”

Jimson quickly stood, saluted, and said, “Yes, sir, as you command,” before reseating himself.

The general’s mouth pulled into a smirk. “You should be pleased, Captain. This means you will get paid for taking the journey you would have taken otherwise, and I do not really expect you to run into much trouble on the Tremadel. It is too large to blockade in the manner you encountered on the Straei.” General Marcum redirected his gaze to take in Tam, Reaylin, and Rezkin. “How the rest of you travel is up to you, although, if Rezkin is serious in his desire to protect Frisha, I expect he will wish to escort her as well.

Rezkin narrowed his eyes at the general as he said, “I did not see you resorting to extortion, General Marcum.”

“Extortion? What are you going on about?” Marcum huffed.

“Considering the amount of trouble we encountered on the journey here, do you really expect me to believe you are willing to place the safety of two of your nieces and both your nephews, the count’s heirs, in the hands of a few soldiers and house guard?” Rezkin questioned. “You expect me to escort this party, and you expect me to do so out of my desire to protect Frisha, despite the fact that you have already rejected my proposal.”

“You think I am incapable of keeping my family safe without you?” the general sputtered. “Your arrogance knows no bounds.”