Page 17 of Forcing Fate

Willhelm was my first real taste of friendship, and it thrilled me to death.

In all honesty, his age didn’t bother me. I’d rather be friends with older people, who were more worldly and knowledgeable. I seemed to have more in common with the older generation, anyway.

After stopping by the secretary to return my order for Master Damon and retrieve my order for General Rafe, I skipped dinner and headed straight to my room. It was only a little past the eighth chime, but I wanted to rise early and be fully awake and prepared when I met Willhelm in the morning.

I didn’t know what to expect from General Rafe, but it delighted me that I would learn under a real General in the army. One day, he may fight alongside me on the battlefield.

I readied for sleep and climbed into bed, dreaming about flying and fighting on the front lines with my dragon-to-be.

I woke just as the sun brightened the sky. Smiling, I rolled off my cot, stretched, and let out a yawn. As I folded my blanket, I hummed a happy tune, glancing out my tiny slit for a window. The sunrise lit the sky with beautiful colors, where a black dragon flew in lazy circles amongst the sparse clouds. I fluffed my pillow and walked to the basin to rinse my mouth and wash my face. I was eager for today to begin, to see Willhelm, and meet an actual General.

After changing into my blue dress, I sat on the stool in front of my vanity, debating what to do with my hair. What tasks would a General need help with? I didn’t have the slightest idea, but I hoped it was hard work, therefore my hair went into braids yet again. If this General was in fact a prickly soul as Willhelm alluded, I needed to get on his good side. I had dealt with rude individuals before, and the key to avoiding outbursts was quite simple; find out what made them angry and do the opposite.

A wise Master once told me not to look at people as bad, but look at them as broken.

I was sure this General had seen many horrors on the battlefield and was probably scarred inside and out. Until I figured out what made him comfortable, staying quiet and reserved seemed like the best idea. I was determined to make a good impression. I wanted him to remember me when I joined the ranks as a Dragon Rider.

Finishing my hair, I nodded to myself, pleased with my reflection, and pulled on my boots. Today was promised to be warm and sunny, but sandals didn’t seem reasonable for chores on the barracks’ side. I grabbed my order to enter the barracks, glanced over my room one last time, then headed out to the hall, shutting the door behind me.

In the common room, I helped myself to a piece of bread and dried apple. Fresh fruits were not in season yet, so dried was my only option. I pocketed extra for later in case this General did not take the midday meal, I wouldn’t go hungry.

On my way down the stairs, I smiled at the few elderly women I passed at this early hour. Buzzing with excitement, I sped past the secretary, carefully avoiding the group of younger men huddled in the foyer. This morning started so well, I wanted to avoid anything that might spoil it.

Holding myself back from sprinting down the path, I breathed deeply. Flowers were in full bloom and their perfume wafted through the air. The trees were budding as well. Soon, their leaves would thicken enough to provide shade over the benches and workshops. The birds chirped, singing their songs as they prepared nests for the little ones soon to come.

A smile spread over my face as I thought about the little one that would come for me. I refused to think about the worst-case scenario. A dragonling would hatch for me this year. I just knew it.

When I arrived at the gate, my brows furrowed as Willhelm’s usual spot was empty. He’d always been here before me, waiting to escort me. As I showed the guard my new orders, I stretched onto my toes, scanning the crowd in search of him. When I spotted him making his way toward us, I noticed the deep crease on his face, pinching his features into a scowl. I couldn’t help but wonder what delayed him.

“Good morn, Willhelm.” I braved the use of his name without a title, tilting my head at him as the guard handed me back my orders with a nod.

The guards frowned at me less as the days went on, getting used to my coming and going.

“I’m not sure that it will be a good morn, but morning nonetheless,” he muttered. After a deep breath, he straightened and nodded to the guards.

I took my place at his side and he led us east, toward an area of the barracks I hadn’t been to. “What’s happened?” I asked, trying to figure out what upset him.

“Our newly returned General has shaken things up a bit is all.”

Frowning, I tilted my head as I peered up at him. Willhelm was not one to lose his temper, or talk ill of anyone without reason, as I had been learning.

“Oh? What did he do?”

He watched me for a moment, as if judging whether he was required to share this knowledge, or if by friendship or acquaintanceship, he would tell me of his own will.

“He’s demanded the companies to be ready at first light and will personally inspect our training. Every bit of it.”

“That doesn’t sound so bad. Surely he’s just checking the progress of the companies.”

“You don’t realize what he’s ordered.” He cast me an incredulous expression. “He’s asked the soldiers to go through everything they know about the battlefield in one morn. From riding to fighting, to hunting, and even bathing–” Willhelm bit it off with a curse.

My eyes rounded as I had never heard him curse, and I pressed my lips together. Surely, bathing was an important subject on the war front. People would get filthy, and proper hygiene was important to promote the health of the army. Without proper hygiene, something as simple as a foot fungus could incapacitate an entire company. However, I could assume being overseen as to how thoroughly one bathes would never be taken without offense.

“He’s just finished with the first company of cadets. He’s given half a chime reprieve before the second company.”

“That means I’m already late,” I groaned as my shoulders drooped.

Had I already made a terrible impression? Tardiness was a flaw in a person’s character and the punishment was harsh on school grounds. I could only assume it was far worse in a military setting.

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