Tam put his linens on the bed while he spoke, and Rezkin finished adjusting his alarm. The young warrior looked back at Tam who was removing his boots and asked, “Have you any more need to leave the room tonight?”

“No, I’m good. I’m exhausted after traveling and running from inn to inn looking for a room,” Tam replied. “I really do appreciate you offering to share. It put Frisha’s mind at ease, too.”

“How do you expect to protect her in her room from in here?” he asked curiously.

Tam was surprised, “Well, I don’t expect anyone to attack her in her room. It’s not like people are after us. Besides, her door will be barred.”

Rezkin shook his head and then grabbed a small pouch from his pack. “I will be back in a moment. Bar the door.”

“What? Why, if you’re going to be right back?” asked Tam.

“Just … bar the door … please.” His masters had said that many people found it difficult to deny a request if one said “please,” especially if the request would have no direct impact on them.

Tam got up and barred the door after Rezkin left. Rez was a strange man, calm and commanding at all times, but he had a wicked sense of humor. Tam began to wonder if Rez was really as dangerous as he seemed. He was so polite and courteous, and he spoke like a learned man. Tam did not doubt that he had had some weapons training. Anyone carrying around two swords would have to or be an idiot otherwise. It was just asking to be challenged to a duel, especially if he was a commoner, since many lords were arrogant enough to want to put a commoner in his place.

Rezkin stalked down the hall to what he knew to be Frisha’s door. He rapped softly against the hard wood. A moment later, the door swung open to reveal Frisha wrapped in a silky, cream robe. Wavy brown hair framed her face, and her cheeks were slightly flushed from rushing to cover herself.

“Rezkin!” she said in surprise. Her mind worked quickly wondering where this late night bedchamber encounter might go. Would this smooth, devastatingly handsome man push his way into her room, take her in his arms, and ravish her? The young woman’s cheeks turned deeper red as she realized her thoughts stemmed less from concern than from fantasy.

“Mistress Frisha,” Rezkin said as he bowed slightly. “I apologize, again, for the incident in the common room earlier. I meant no offense.”

“Oh, no, you have nothing to apologize for. Tam was out of line, but I understand you two worked out your differences,” she replied.

“Just so.” He nodded in affirmation. “You should probably inquire as to whom is at your door prior to opening it, though.”

Frisha looked a bit chagrined as she replied, “Yes, you’re right. I didn’t think.”