Reign of Madness (Revised Edition) by Kel Kade Page B

advantage or encouraged their attentions. It was obvious that Rezkin
had eyes only for Frisha, and the other women were simply unwilling to accept
that. When the general rejected Rezkin’s proposal, Jimson had been shocked and
severely disappointed. Reaylin now completely dismissed Frisha’s claim on the
stout warrior, and her obsession had only deepened. Jimson had no idea how to
claim the young woman’s attention for his own.
    The captain cleared his throat and offered, “Ah, Mistress
Reaylin, would you care for some wine?”
    Reaylin raised a brow as she swallowed a bite of apple.
“Sure, but you have to stop calling me mistress . It makes me feel old
and doesn’t at all sound like something you would call a warrior.”
    Jimson bowed slightly and said, “What, then, do you wish for
me to call you?”
    Reaylin grinned cheekily. “Amazing, beautiful, goddess,
perfection…” she listed as her voice trailed off.
    The captain bowed again and replied, “Very well, Beautiful.
I endeavor to please.”
    Reaylin flushed and laughed, “Oh, come on Jimmy, I was only
kidding.”
    Jimson smiled, enjoying the sound of her laughter. The
captain’s older brothers had teased him relentlessly as a child, often calling
him Jimmy, but he found that he rather liked the sound of it on Reaylin’s lips.
He shook his head and remarked, “It would only be humorous if it were not true.
As it is, I will always feel inclined to call you amazing.”
    Reaylin’s eyes widened, and her mouth parted in surprise.
Jimson was just as surprised by the words that seemed to spill out on their
own. He lowered his eyes to the ground in embarrassment. He knew Reaylin would
not return his affections – at least, not while her mind was filled with
a certain desirable warrior. After a moment of silence, a wooden cup was thrust
into his view. Glancing up, he saw Reaylin smiling at him sweetly and realized
he had yet to pour the proffered wine. Jimson filled Reaylin’s cup, but his
attention was snagged when he heard his name. Rezkin’s voice cut through the
uncomfortable silence.
    The young warrior was speaking to Drascon and Millins, just
slightly louder than was necessary, considering their proximity. “That is
correct,” he was saying. “The general allowed him to pick any one of the swords
he desired. As a reward for his bravery and for saving the life of the
general’s niece, the lieutenant was raised to captain and awarded an exquisite
master blade from General Marcum’s own personal collection.” The young
warrior’s gaze slipped past Jimson and almost imperceptibly lingered on Reaylin
before returning to his audience.
    Lieutenant Drascon whistled in awe and then asked Jimson,
“You have been to the general’s home, then? You have actually spoken with him?”
    With a twinkle in her eye, Frisha commented, “The captain is
a regular guest. He has dined with General Marcum on several occasions, and I
know of at least one subject for which he is held in the general’s strict
confidence.” Frisha eyed Rezkin sideways with the last remark.
    Sergeant Millins remarked, “Wow, I had no idea I was
assigned to a captain of such esteem.”
    Reaylin eyed Jimson thoughtfully and then asked excitedly.
“Is that true? Can I see it?”
    Jimson jerked his attention back to Reaylin in surprise.
“See what?” he asked with confusion.
    Reaylin smirked. “Your master blade, silly.”
    Heat stole across his nape, and he was sure his face was
flushed. He said, “Oh, yes, of course.” He shifted positions so that his legs
were crossed in front of him and pulled his scabbard across his lap. As the
blade slid out smoothly, the light caught on the faint, iridescent ripples in
the metal.
    Reaylin bounced up onto her knees as she leaned in to get a
closer look. “Wow, I can’t believe the General of the Army of Ashai gave that
to you. It’s amazing. He’s really frightening, you know. That first time I met
him, I actually thought he was going to call