Rezkin wanted to become a big man fast, so he worked very hard to learn all of the Rules and Skills. Unfortunately, he had just failed in his Skills miserably. He had also broken Rule 6—Do not get injured and Rule 12—Do not make sound. As Master Peider bent to pick him up, Rezkin sucked in a breath and spied the blood and vomit on the cobblestones. He was about to break Rule 10—Do not leave evidence as well. Just as Master Peider lifted him from the ground, a searing pain ripped through him, and all went black.

Rezkin reached for the swaying branch, just barely managing to grip the rough bark with the tips of his fingers. As soon as he caught hold, he used the considerable strength of his wiry frame to pull himself up. He perched in the bough as he surveyed his surroundings once again. He was still honing his observational skills. Master Jaiardun assured him that once he was a full-grown big-man he would no longer need to concentrate so hard on his environment. The Skill would be so infused in his mind that he would do it automatically without thinking. Until then, he had to concentrate. Striker Farson and Striker Adona were both here somewhere, and they were looking for him. This was by far the most difficult task he had been assigned yet. Not only did he have to enter the fortress by stealth, but he had to do it during the day with the “inhabitants” having been forewarned of his coming.

There was no movement in the courtyard or on the balcony across from him. He took a moment to peer into a shadow to one side. He saw nothing to indicate anyone was hiding there. Averting his gaze, he reexamined the area with his peripheral vision. One could often see things in the periphery that one could not see directly. Still, nothing appeared.

He took a deep breath and then stood, balancing his weight on the balls of his feet. Normally, he would turn his feet to the side to walk about a swaying tree, but what he was about to do required speed and power. Without a moment’s hesitation he darted forward, his feet barely touching the sturdy limb, and then launched himself into the open space beyond. Just as he began to think he had misjudged the distance, he closed in on the balcony’s railing. Strong hands gripped the carved stone, and he swung his legs forward so that his feet impacted the wall below. His legs coiled with his momentum, and like a viper, he sprung back from the wall while pushing slightly downward with his toes. He shot upward and over the railing to land softly in the shadow of the stone wall.