Frisha continued anyway. “Please, Rezkin, just call me Frisha. I told you we’re friends. There is no need for formalities.”

Tam, finally getting himself under control, said, “Yeah, Rez, you can just call me Tam. Master Tamarin sounds so old. Besides, we’re friends, too.”

“Thank you, Frisha, Tam.” Rezkin stood and said, “I think it is time to head to the docks. You know, it is not necessary for us all to go. I could make the arrangements while the two of you stay here. The district near the docks is filled with seedy people who are more than willing to cause trouble for unsuspecting travelers.”

“Well then, we’re not really unsuspecting, now, are we?” Tam asked. “Besides, I don’t want to stay here all day. I want to see the docks, and you know we can’t leave Frisha here alone. We’ll all go together,” he said as Frisha nodded her approval.

Rezkin inwardly sighed. These two outworlders were determined to make his job difficult. “Very well. Let us depart.”

The three travelers toured a winding circuit of roads and footpaths between buildings on their way through the western part of the city.

“Um, Rez, are you sure this is the way?” Tam asked. “A lot of people use the docks, and I don’t think most travelers would go this way. I must admit I’m completely turned around. I have no idea where I am,” he said, and Frisha nodded in agreement.

Rezkin simply shrugged. “The main thoroughfare to the docks is rife with thieves. Neither of you would make it to the docks and back with your purses. In addition, those people will know you are looking for passage on a ship, which means you will have to return via the same route with the rest of your belongings when you depart. It would be an ideal situation in which to arrange an ambush. And while this route seems confusing because we have made so many turns, it is actually the most direct route with the exception of a few detours I took to avoid thieves who were lying in wait.”

Frisha’s eyes widened. “What? There were thieves waiting for us?”

Rezkin nodded. “We have already avoided three such traps plus a few pickpockets I deterred.”

“How did you scare off the pickpockets? I didn’t see you do anything,” asked Tam.

“I looked at them,” Rez stated. “Once you identify a pickpocket, he or she would have to be an idiot to try, so they look for another target.”

“How did you know there were thieves waiting for us?” asked Frisha.