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.”

“Not arrogance, General. Reality. If I refuse to provide escort for this party of yours, then how will your plans change? Would you not add at least a half dozen men to the guard? Or would you simply deny your nieces the opportunity to travel altogether?” Rezkin inquired with accusation. “No, General, you are counting on my choosing to provide escort once again with no benefit to myself.”

“Ah, now we see your true colors. No longer the selfless protector, are we? Very well, Rezkin what is it you want? How much?” Marcum spat.

Tam and Reaylin were both confused. They knew Rezkin was a good fighter, but surely he could not be worth more than another soldier, or maybe two if you considered the value of his healing skills.

Rezkin’s voice dropped and came out cold and unnerving, “I do not want your money, Marcum. I want you to reconsider my proposal.” The warrior intentionally left off the general’s title.

General Marcum clenched his jaw. “Are you giving me an order, Rezkin?”