Frisha gaped in righteous indignation. She grabbed the pillow off the ground and lobbed it at Tam’s head. “Tamarin Blackwater! I cannot believe you could be so insensitive.”

“What? You were the one who said you didn’t want him. It sounds to me like you’re the one giving up too easily.”

“Well, shut up. Of course I want him,” Frisha huffed. “Fine, I’ll go, and if Reaylin or Shiela even think about stealing him from me, I’ll show them just how much I want him!”

Tam started laughing at Frisha’s expense, and after a moment, Frisha could not help but join him.

Chapter 21

Getting into another argument with General Marcum was the perfect excuse for leaving the general’s home. Rezkin had made the extra effort to spend time practicing with Tam earlier not only as part of his duty toward his friend, but also as a method of averting suspicion for a conspicuous absence. The family might excuse a few hours here and there, but if he were gone for extended periods of time, people would start asking questions. Rezkin did not care to outright lie to his friends. That did not seem like a good way to honor them. Instead, he used half-truths, redirection and avoidance to prevent them from learning too much.

It was not that Rezkin wanted to mislead his friends, but it was safer if they were not involved in the darker maneuverings of his life. Tam and Frisha were innocent and naïve, having been sheltered all their lives by people who cared about them. The warrior thought it was more of a detriment to their well-being to be oblivious to the way the world really worked, but showing them the truth too quickly could break their minds or, at the very least, their trust. They would not understand everything he had to do. Now, it was time for his most ambitious plan.

Although it was still afternoon, Rezkin donned his night stealth gear, more for disguise and dramatic effect than for stealth. The dark mottled clothing, black armor and deep cowl would make him more obvious in the daylight, but he did not intend to be seen. Rezkin moved through shadows and alleys and across rooftops. He eventually found himself not too far from the Diamond Claw Guildhouse. His Justainian contacts awaited him anxiously.

“No, Ash, I told you to put it down!” Broken snapped as he slapped something out of Ash’s hand.

“But it’s gross! I wanted to look at it,” Ash said dejectedly.

“It’s s’posed to be gross. It’s a slug. The Raven will be here soon, and we don’t want him thinkin’ we’re just a couple of silly kids. He asked for us specifically. Don’t you get how important that is?” the older small-man prodded.