Rezkin noted the general’s concern and waved it away. “Do not worry yourself, General. I have no intention of blackmailing you. I have far more efficient ways of getting things done. All I am saying is that if you define your word wholesome by the actions of the nobles, then I want nothing to do with it, and I should think you would prefer Frisha to stay out of it as well.”

A knock sounded from the front entry, and Steward Narus shuffled past the open doorway to answer. Rezkin said, “That would be Captain Jimson. He is coming by to discuss our travel plans. Since you seem to have your own ideas, I suppose you had better join us. If you are not already aware of it, Mistress Reaylin has joined us this afternoon as well.”

General Marcum stepped back into the hall, and Rezkin followed at a comfortable distance. Tam and Reaylin were already greeting Jimson when they arrived. Tam introduced Reaylin to the general, who found the young woman to be eccentric and rather uncouth. Marcum invited the group into the study where they usually spent the evenings, and a maid served them tea and small cakes.

Tam shifted continually. He had come to hate being in the same room with both the general and Rezkin, and he had never particularly enjoyed Reaylin’s company. Jimson also felt awkward. As a lowly lieutenant, he had never dreamed he would be spending so much time in the presence of his general, and his friendship with the general’s newest unofficial enemy complicated the issue. It did not help that Reaylin was shamelessly flirting and batting her eyes at Rezkin. She had apparently taken the general’s rejection of Rezkin’s proposal as a sign that it was time to up her game.

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.”