The men had seemed easy enough, until Tam, anyway. It was the women who were so confusing. He knew it was an unavoidable tactical error that he had met Frisha first. By the time he met Tam, the young man’s protective instincts had kicked in, and he was less willing to see reason. If he had somehow met Tam first, he might have found a way to convince him of his sincerity.

Swinging his pack over his shoulder he stepped quickly to the door and pulled it open to reveal Tam standing on the other side with his arm poised to knock. Rezkin released the hilt he had grasped in surprise. He could not believe he had made such a mistake as to not check the door before opening it. His mind was muddled with his missteps, and he knew he had to get it together before he failed completely.

He stepped aside to allow Tam to enter and said, “I have gathered my things and will inform the innkeeper of the change upon my departure.” He stepped toward the door to make his way out but was stopped by Tam’s hand on his shoulder. He resisted his instincts to grab the hand and twist until the young man submitted. He calmly turned toward the young man instead.

“Wait, please,” Tam requested.

Rezkin simply stared at him, willing the young man to get to the point.

“I-I’m sorry,” Tam said while wringing his hands awkwardly. “What I said was uncalled for. I didn’t mean to offend you, nor did I mean to be ungrateful.” He let out a heavy breath, and his shoulders slumped. “You’re right. I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m in over my head. When I made the oath, I thought it was no big deal. I would just stand up for Frisha when she needed me.”

The uncertain young man scratched at his scruffy jaw as he thought and continued, “On the way here from Cheswick, I spoke to several of the caravan guards. Some of the things they described … attacks along the roads and even on the river, well, they scared me. I know I’m supposed to protect Frisha, and I want to, but if it comes down to it, I know I can’t. So, if you could possibly forgive me, I would like to accept your offer to accompany us to Kaibain.”

Tam looked up into Rezkin’s eyes, almost pleading. The vulnerability that Tam was trying so hard to hide earlier was obvious to anyone who looked. Rezkin inclined his head and said, “It was my fault. I failed to communicate my purpose properly. You had every right to be defensive and protective of your companion.”

“No, I should not have spoken to you in such a disrespectful manner,” Tam replied. “Your behavior has been above reproach. I just didn’t like having to face the truth, and I was ashamed to do so in front of Frisha. It’s better this way, though. It was wrong to let her think she was safer than she really was.”