“She should not have been locked in this room alone with two men in the first place,” Rezkin said. He meant it as a question, but it sounded more like a statement.

“True, and as her protector, I guess I should have insisted she leave earlier, but I really didn’t think about it. I grew up with three brothers, not sisters. You’re much better at these things than I am, so maybe you can remind me when I forget,” Tam stated.

Rezkin lifted a brow, “If I am to be responsible for our group’s propriety, then I am afraid we will have little of it. I am more concerned with safety. There will be many situations while traveling when it would be best for us all to stay together rather than take the risk of separating simply for appearances. We will have to be satisfied with knowing that we will treat each other with honor.”

Tam studied Rez closely as the young man tied on his boots. “You really mean that, don’t you?”

“What?” asked Rezkin.

“That you will treat her with honor,” Tam stated.

Rezkin was surprised that Tam would have to ask. “Of course. I will treat you both with honor. It is Rule 1.”

“Protect and honor your friends?” asked Tam, remembering Rez’s words from the night before. Rezkin nodded. Tam said, “You truly follow a code … like a Knight of the Realm.”

A code? He pondered the question. Well, a code is a set of rules. Rezkin stretched his lips into the smile everyone seemed to like and said, “Always.”

Both young men descended the stairs in a hurry. Tam was simply hungry and eager to get on with the day. Rezkin was concerned about Frisha being left alone in the common room. Just as the men sat down at the table with her, Roxie arrived carrying a tray with three platters of breakfast. It was a modest but tasty meal of eggs, sausage, and fresh-baked rolls. Roxie filled Rezkin’s tea three times before he finally had to politely inform her that he had consumed enough.

Rezkin noticed that Frisha was oddly quiet, and he was concerned she might be ill or uncomfortable with his presence. “Mistress Frisha, is everything well? You do still desire my assistance in your travels?”

“Oh, yes!” she said as she met his gaze. Her thoughts seemed to scatter as soon as she looked into those crystal blue eyes. He looked at her with genuine concern. “I do desire you …” Tam sputtered and coughed as he choked on his food, which refocused Frisha’s attention. Realizing what she had just said, she practically shouted, “to come with us!”

Tam was still trying to clear his airway as she scowled at the young man and kicked his shin under the table. Rezkin’s attention was on Tam, now, and she hoped he did not take notice of her embarrassing blunder.