Marcum had considered, at one point, that Rezkin could be the Raven. The general had dismissed the idea when he realized the young man could not possibly have had enough time to take over the cities’ thieves’ guilds and the Black Hall in the brief absences when Rezkin had not been in the presence of himself or his family. Rezkin had been gone from the general’s home for only a few hours the previous evening. It would have taken an immeasurable amount of time and planning to pull off such feats, and no one could topple the Black Hall in only a couple of hours. In addition, the young man did not have a mark on him, and anyone going up against the combined might of the assassins could not possibly walk away unharmed. While Marcum knew Rezkin was probably a formidable warrior, he doubted the nineteen-year-old had such inhuman abilities as were purported to belong to the Raven.

Marcum absolutely hated what he had to say next, but he was somewhat relieved that it was even an option. He held Frisha’s gaze as he said, “If things go badly, I want you to stay with Rezkin no matter what.”

“What? But, you hate Rezkin,” she blurted without thinking.

Marcum sighed. “Listen to me. This is important. Absolutely, no matter what, you Stay. With. Rezkin. Understood?” At the girl’s confused nod, he said, “Rezkin will keep you safe.” She and Tam looked even more perplexed at that comment. From his periphery, Marcum could see the young warrior eyeing him speculatively. He finally met the young man’s icy gaze and added, “No, I am not above using you to keep my niece safe. I doubt you will protest, though.”

Rezkin inclined his head in acknowledgement but said nothing. He could not help but ponder the irony that the general was attempting to keep his niece far away and safe from the Raven when he was sending her off in the safekeeping of the very man.

Marcum turned his attention to the captain and asked, “Are we clear?”

“Yes, sir,” Captain Jimson replied with a fist over his heart.

Releasing a heavy breath, Marcum said, “Then, safe travels and good luck at the King’s Tournament.”

End of Book One

Characters

Rezkin – A young warrior trained under mysterious circumstances

Master Jaiardun – Trainer at the mysterious northern fortress

Master Peider – Trainer at the mysterious northern fortress

Striker Farson – Striker at the northern fortress who escaped the fortress battle

Striker Adona – Striker at the northern fortress

Lord Butrand – A merchant brought to the fortress to teach Rezkin

Sheyalin – A master swordsmith who lived and died over two hundred years past

Mayor Jorge – Mayor of Perdony

Carlon – Butcher of Perdony

Pot – Stable boy at the Golden Cockerel in Justain

Master Nol – Owner of the Golden Cockerel Inn in Justain

Roxiella “Roxie” – Maid at the Golden Cockerel Inn in Justain

Frisha Souvain – Young woman from Cheswick traveling to Kaibain