“Do I need to?” Rezkin replied with a previously unseen hardness in his icy glare.

Tam and Reaylin looked at each other in confusion. Why would Rezkin be giving the general orders? They both turned questioning eyes on the captain begging silently for answers, but Jimson was entirely focused on the rug at his feet. With a shared look, the two decided it was in their best interest to remain as unobtrusive as possible.

Marcum countered. “And, what of you respecting my decision? Have you reneged on your word?”

Rezkin stood abruptly, his hand clenching his hilt in a clear sign of warning. The motion was quickly followed by General Marcum’s rising to his own feet. “I have reached the end of my patience with you questioning my honor and motives, Marcum. I have done nothing deserving of your derision, and your choices regarding Frisha are based on your own mental slander against my character, a preconception that is completely unfounded in the scope of reality. If you had a valid reason for your rejection, I would accept it, but as it is, you have none.”

“And still, my decision stands,” Marcum stated stubbornly as he wondered if Rezkin would hold to his word and not to do him harm.

Rezkin released his grip and completely changed his demeanor. He went from frightful and menacing to blasé and unconcerned in the space of a breath. Casually, he asked, “Have you considered, General, that Frisha may no longer wish to attend the tournament? The woman does not even wish to come down for supper. It seems unlikely she would desire to travel all the way to Skutton.”

“You think she only wanted to go to the tournament for you?” Marcum snapped.

“I think Frisha is an independent young woman with desires of her own. You might want to consider those before you go about making important decisions for her,” Rezkin replied.

“Captain,” Rezkin barked without taking his eyes off the general.

“Yes, sir!” Captain Jimson replied as he rose to attention without thinking.

“A passenger ship, the Luna Mara, has been requisitioned in the general’s name,” Rezkin said just as the general interrupted him.

“I made no such arrangements!”

“It will be leaving two days hence,” Rezkin continued. “A passenger manifest has already been filed, which you will find includes: you and your comrades, Sergeant Millins and Second Lieutenant Drascon; four of the Jebai House Guard—Ferrel, Guent, Maris, and Jeyet; the general’s nephews, Lords Malcius and Palis; their friend, Lord Brandt of House Gerrand; the general’s nieces, Lady Frisha and Lady Shiela; Lady Shiela’s maid, Mistress Tami; Master Tamarin; Mistress Reaylin; and of course, myself—plus one battle charger.”