Frisha’s eyes spilled over as she heaved a heavy sob and ran from the room. Rezkin watched her flee and then turned his fiery gaze on the general. He had no idea why the general had rejected him. He had mastered all of his Skills far earlier than expected and adhered to all of the Rules to the best of his ability. He had embraced his purpose, found his friends, and was doing everything possible to keep them together. Based on everything he had been taught, it was an exemplary performance.

Yet, the general had rejected his request and seemed to think the worst of him. Rezkin had heard Frisha’s shouts, which had alerted him to the argument in the first place. He knew the general had called him a soulless creature. It seemed that nothing Rezkin could say or do would change the general’s mind. Rezkin turned and strode from the room with purpose. He needed to work off some of his anger.

Captain Jimson waited a moment and then stood. He saluted the general and thanked the lady for her hospitality and then followed Rezkin. Tam quickly excused himself and followed, as well. Tam and Jimson walked slowly after agreeing that Rezkin needed time to cool off. They eventually tracked him to the far back corner of the property that was shaded by massive trees with thick boughs full of fluttering leaves that blocked the direct heat of the setting sun. Rezkin had already shed his shirt and was whipping his swords around in a fluid dance so quickly that the blades looked like shining lights extending from his palms.

The young warrior noted his friends’ arrival and knew they wanted to speak with him. He was not yet ready to deal with them. He ignored their presence and continued his training. Eventually, the two men drew their blades and began to practice their own techniques. Tam was working on the newest series of forms Rezkin had shown him, and Jimson was getting acquainted with his new blade. He would have to work hard to be completely comfortable with the weight and length before the tournament.

Back at the house, Lady Adelina sat with her husband in silence. Eventually, she spoke her thoughts. “It was good of you to respect the young man’s wishes in not divulging his secrets. I know it was difficult for you when Frisha was so upset.”

Marcum sighed and replied, “In truth, Ady, I had no choice. Such was the authority given him by the old king.”

Adelina’s eyes widened. “What is this? How can the boy have so much power over the general of the army?”

“Yet, he does. Say nothing, Ady, to anyone. This is deadly serious,” he said grimly. He rubbed his face in frustration, “I should not even have told you.”

“Is that what you meant when you said that he could have taken her at any time?” Adelina asked.