Tam shrugged uncomfortably. “It was weird. The general got a letter delivered from the colonel at Fort Maneske, and then Rez handed him another paper, and all of a sudden things changed. The general was really … upset ... or maybe disturbed. I’m not really sure. When Frisha finally got him to disclose something, General Marcum just said that Rezkin had King Bordran’s trust.”

Reaylin gasped. “Seriously?”

Tam shook his head. “That’s what he said.”

“How did Rezkin know the king? And, why would General Marcum hate Rezkin if King Bordran trusted him?” Reaylin questioned.

“That’s exactly what I’ve been wondering,” Tam replied. “I don’t know. Maybe he met him at the fort where he was raised. Maybe King Bordran knew Rezkin’s parents or mentors or something. It’s really weird, though, right?”

“Sure is. Do you think he knows King Caydean?” Reaylin asked.

“I don't know, but I do know that whatever was in those letters, Rez doesn’t really want getting around. He doesn't even want Frisha to know,” Tam remarked. Tam looked sideways at Reaylin and said, “So don’t tell anyone.”

Reaylin scowled at Tam. “Who am I supposed to tell? Besides, Rez saved my life. I’m not going to go around telling people about him if it might cause him problems.”

Tam shook his head and started to walk away. “I’d better go let Frisha know what’s going on.”

“Okay, well, I guess I’ll come back tomorrow in case there’s new information,” Reaylin said.

Tam walked Reaylin to the door just to make sure she found her way out and did not snag anything that did not belong to her along the way. He still did not trust the girl. He then made his way up to Frisha’s room where he knocked incessantly until she finally opened the door.

Frisha’s eyes were puffy, her nose was red, and she looked completely worn. “What is it, Tam? I don’t really feel like talking.”

“I know, but I have some news. May I come in?” Tam asked as he shoved his hands in his pockets and ducked his head. Tam did not really know what to do for his childhood friend. He had never had to deal with a broken heart, and he had never seen Frisha so infatuated with a man.

“I guess, but keep it down. Aunt Adelina will get upset if she finds out you are in here with me alone,” she said sardonically. “It just wouldn’t be proper.”

Tam ducked his head again and closed the door behind him. “We just had another one of those meetings with your uncle and Rez,” he grumbled.

“I bet that was fun,” Frisha moaned. “Did Rez convince him to change his mind?” she asked hopefully.

Tam sighed. “No. But, your uncle is going to let you go to the tournament with us.”