Rezkin shook his head. “Stories are rarely accurate. Those that are not pure fiction are embellished. Sometimes bards will take the adventures and accomplishments of many different soldiers and tell it as though it all happened to only one. The truth is, soldiering is not about excitement and glory. If you were to become an officer, you might have a better chance at experiencing the things you want. They have more freedom and ability to request transfers. Since you are not a noble and are therefore unable to purchase a commission, it is highly unlikely you will ever become an officer. Few commoners ever receive the honor, despite their hard work and dedication.”

“Is that why you haven’t joined the army?” asked Tam.

Rezkin glanced at Tam and shrugged. “My Skills would be wasted in the army.” Rezkin nearly came to a halt when the next thought crossed his mind. “Although, if you join, I may have to as well.”

“Why?” Frisha exclaimed in surprise. Tam was startled as well.

Rezkin shook his head once again looking at Tam as though the man was completely dense. “Rule 1, Tam, remember?”

“Wait, you would join the army just to protect me?” asked Tam. He was flabbergasted. He had just met this man, and the idea seemed a bit … obsessive.

Rezkin rubbed his jaw thoughtfully. “I cannot think of how I could protect you in the army and Frisha at the same time, though.”

Frisha laughed, “Rez, you cannot expect to protect both of us all of the time. We have our own lives, you know. And, we’re not your responsibility, anyway. Besides, you only said you would lend your aid on our journey to Kaibain. After that, we will each go our own way.” Frisha’s tone was soft and understanding, and the last was said with a note of sadness.

Rezkin felt the tightening in his chest again. They would each go their own way? But, if that happened, then what would be his purpose?

“I must protect and honor my friends,” he said with distressed confusion.

“Don’t get me wrong, Rez. It’s an honorable code to live by, but I think it should be more of a general sense of protection,” Frisha said as she waved her hands around. “It doesn’t mean you have to stay with us at all times. Besides, what happens when you find new friends?”

New friends? He had not thought there would be more of them. How many of these friends did he have? And, how would he know who they were? Did they have some way of identifying each other? Was he supposed to approach them or wait for them to come to him? Master Peider had not lived long enough for him to find out. Frisha seemed to know a lot about it, though, so maybe he could just leave it to her to identify his friends for him.