Page 200 of Forcing Fate

The fortress door opened and Rafe hurried in, shutting it behind him.

“Will we still head north in the morn?” Jamlin called.

Rafe joined us by the hearth and warmed his hands, casting a glance at Korzak. “We take our leave at midday, as long as the storm breaks.”

Jam nodded and stared down at his lap. Tonight was unexpected, but we had a mission. One that, at this point, could no longer be ignored. Rafe glanced at me and pressed his lips together. His dark gaze assured me. Sighing, my lips pulled down into a frown as I watched Korzak, knowing he would not be coming with us.

The next day, our Tennan slowly filtered in. Zephath and Xzanth came in at first light. They traveled as soon as the storm broke in the middle of the night. They were cold and hungry, but otherwise well. Garion, Tegan, and Collins returned a few chimes later, with Blain and Dane returning last, closer to the midday chime. All cursed the sudden storm but accepted the fact that we were still moving on with the plan.

I readied my saddlebags with my sparse belongings and supplies. We packed for a short journey, but one for the road with no inns.

Glancing at Rafe, who was in the loft, I studied him as he strapped his weapons on. He wore his arming swords on his back, hilts protruding from each shoulder over his thick winter vest. He looked down at us as we gathered our things. When his eye found mine, he turned away.

I finished packing and set my saddlebag on my cot. Garion, Blain, and Collins were ordered to stay behind with Korzak. The rest were riding out with us. Rafe didn’t want to leave Blain behind, but he would need word as soon as Korzak was well and they could join us.

As the others finished their tasks, the neighing of horses drew us outside. I took Thunderbolt from Garion’s offered hand, and loaded my belongings onto the pigou. My spear looked comically large strapped to his saddle, as if nature itself mocked me for taking this small creature into battle.

I’d just finished double checking all the straps when Rafe emerged, heading to his stallion. He greeted the beast, rubbing his muzzle, and muttered words too quiet for me to hear. Rafe stepped to his side and threw his pack over his saddle to tie it down.

He strapped his longsword to his saddle as well. With his arming swords secured to his back, and a few daggers sheathed along his frame—the man was armed to the teeth. It was obvious he didn’t take this mission lightly.

Xzanth approached, handing me the crossbow. I took it and a large wrap of bolts. Nodding my thanks, I fastened them to my saddle. Thunderbolt seemed even more comical. He turned his shaggy head to peek back at me as if accusing me of thinking him unworthy.

“I know you’re the bravest of them all,” I whispered, rubbing between his ears.

“Mount!”

I jumped and swung my leg over Thunderbolt at Rafe’s order. The others mounted as one. Blain spoke a few words to Dane, slapping his twin’s thigh. Rafe spoke to Garion, and the rest of us waited for orders.

Garion saluted and stepped back, and Rafe rode to the front.

“Move out,” he called.

His stallion snorted and pranced in the fresh snow, lifting his hooves high. Thunderbolt huffed and pulled his ears back, unimpressed with the stallion’s antics. We fell into formation and slowly rode out.

A mix of anticipation, excitement, and dread rushed through me as we neared the barracks’ gate. The knowledge that I was riding out with the Tennan for the first time, and for perhaps the last time, didn’t hit me until we passed under the King’s gate. As Thunderbolt stepped over the threshold of the wall, fear struck my heart, its barbs sinking deep.

I wasn’t ready for this.

“Easy.”

I glanced over to Xzanth, who looked at me, but patted his gelding as if he spoke to it.

Swallowing past the lump in my throat, I tried to relax my muscles. I could do this. Rafe wouldn’t bring me along unless he knew I could handle myself.

I picked my chin up and studied my surroundings as we headed north. Snow covered the landscape in a thick white blanket, glittering with the sun’s rays. There was not a cloud in the sky, as if the weather itself denied the storm last night.

Settling deeper into my saddle, I determined I would enjoy this bit. It was freedom like I had never known. I would accept it and enjoy it.

We made camp while it was still light. Xzanth found a small copse of trees that would offer shelter, and we cared for our horses and set to our tasks. Dane went off to scout and hunt. Zephath gathered firewood. Jamlin and Tegan strung the horses on a line after we all rubbed them down. Rafe studied some parchments in the light of the setting sun.

I organized the cooking supplies as Xzanth started a fire. We readied our dried food but held out hope that Dane would bring back fresh meat.

“Avyanna.”

I looked up from the pot I set near the fire.

Rafe was focused on his papers, but glanced up at me. “Forage.”

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