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something to prove at the
tournament. Malcius and Tieran were attempting to demonstrate that they were
somehow worthy of being their fathers’ successors, while Brandt wanted to prove
that he was his own man and not a boy under his father’s thumb. Palis seemed to
be the only one who was along strictly for the excitement and love of the
sport. Rezkin had planned his persona as the most efficient conqueror of the
young men’s’ wills that he could conceive, and it was with this last bit in
mind that Rezkin employed the next stage of his plan.
    After the meal was over and the young people had wandered to
the deck for some fresh afternoon air, Rezkin gathered Tam and Jimson and any
of the other men who cared to follow. He motioned to Reaylin, too, as what he
had planned might also interest the future competitor. The young warrior
approached Palis who was chatting with the other lordlings. “It is an exquisite
evening, is it not, Palis? The skies are clear and the waters are calm. I was
hoping you would grace us with a demonstration of your skill. I heard that you
have mastered the Bo’duen Parté, a most difficult sword form, I might say. It
is an impressive feat.”
    Palis’s brows rose in surprise. “Well, I do not know that I
have mastered it, but I have certainly been practicing. I am not sure how you
found out, though.” He eyed his brother and Brandt. “I have not really spoken
of it publicly.”
    “Palis, your humility is admirable. I did not mean to put
your talents on display. I merely ask out of a…professional curiosity,” Rezkin
said, smiling pleasantly.
    “No, it is not that at all,” Palis reassured. “I would be
happy to demonstrate. I just had not realized my meager accomplishment had been
the subject of gossip.” He frowned at his brother and Brandt, again, and they
both shook their heads emphatically. Of course, the young men had not mentioned
anything to Rezkin. He had seen the young man practicing his forms when he was
spying on the Jebais.
    Tieran’s curiosity overcame his ego for a moment, and he
asked, “What is the Bo’duen Parté?”
    Rezkin glanced at Palis who did not seem eager to answer
before offering an explanation of his own. “It is an archaic sword form
consisting of a complicated series of challenging transitions. It lost
popularity at least a hundred years ago due to its difficulty. You see, unless
performed correctly, it is wholly inefficient. When performed by a master,
however, it is extremely effective against opponents who are unfamiliar with
the technique and even many who are.”
    Tieran’s brows rose as he looked at Palis. “And you have
mastered this technique?”
    Palis flushed and ducked his head. “My performance is
acceptable,” he said humbly. Rezkin grinned, and it felt more genuine than
contrived. Perhaps Palis would be a good candidate for the Rules. Palis
turned the attention back on Rezkin when he said, “Your knowledge of the
subject is impressive, Rez. I have not met many others who have even heard of
the form.”
    Rezkin laughed and said, “Well, that was simply
historical knowledge.”
    Malcius grinned, “You do seem to be quite the historian,
Rezkin. Are you a master of the technique, as well? I have been wondering where
you hope to stand in the tournament.”
    Hedging, Rezkin spread his hands and said, “I cannot say how
I will do in the tournament. Dueling has never been my preference. I seem to
have difficulty staying within bounds , so to speak.”
    Captain Jimson eyed Rezkin sideways. He knew Rezkin was a
Dual-Blade Swordmaster and Sword Bearer besides. If Rezkin knew of the
technique, then he was probably a master of it, as well. Jimson also noted that
Rezkin had not actually lied , either. In fact, pretty much everything
the nobles believed about Rezkin was a result of assumptions and misdirection.
Jimson frowned in thought. Rezkin had never even actually come out and told the
lordlings that he was a noble. He had always spoken of