Page 66 of Forcing Fate

As we neared the sixth chime, the tent filled quickly. No one came to sit with me, all giving me a wide berth. I reached up to fiddle with the braid I had plaited my hair in, secured tight on top of my head. Today would be hot, and I would have no respite from the heat or whatever labor they put me to.

“Well, hello there.”

The patronizing tone was enough to make my stomach revolt. A young, cocky man with light-blonde hair stood in front of three other men, all wearing easy, predatorial smiles.

Arrogance lit his sneer as he leaned forward. “I thought they were jesting when they said they let a girl in.” He lifted his boot, planting it beside me on the bench and rested his arms on his knee. “Between me and you, I’m glad they let you in.”

My eyes shot to his, skeptical. I dared not answer him, but raised a brow in question.

“You’ll make the nights a little more interesting.”

My hand twitched as I fought the urge to slap him. Rage tinted my vision red as my mind raced to plot my course of action. “I’ll be making no one’s night interesting. I’m here for the same reason as you. To learn to fight.”

“Oh, good.” His theatrical whisper was beyond belittling. “I like the fighters.”

“Beat it.” A familiar growl had me thanking the stars above.

Willhelm came up behind the recruits and shooed them off with a glare, but not before the blonde winked at me. Unease crept up my spine. He would be trouble.

Willhelm threw a leg over the bench and took a seat, chuckling at my wide grin. “They couldn’t talk you out of it, eh?”

I beamed at him. “Not a chance.”

It was obvious he didn’t approve, but he knew that he couldn’t change anything. I was happy knowing he wasn’t mad, but rather still my friend.

Funny how I had friends now. None were my age, but did that matter? There were three more than I’d had in… well, ever.

“You know it will be hard?” he asked, resting his elbows on his knees.

“Yes, sir.” I smirked. Of course, it would be difficult. I didn’t think it was going to be rainbows and sunshine.

“You’re going to stick it out? Be the first female to join, the first woman to make it to the front as a soldier?”

“That’s the plan.”

A smile spread over his face as he dipped his head. “You’ll be fine, kid. I won’t lie to you—it’s going to be worse than anything you’ve ever tried. You got in because of the General, but it will be the General that will try to get you out, too. Don’t forget that.”

General Rafe had been a thorn in my side for a while now. I didn’t expect that to change anytime soon.

A Commander stepped onto the raised platform, heading toward the center. My fingers trembled as I clasped them tighter and my mouth went dry. This was it.

“I’ll stay with you for a half a chime, then I have to see to my men.”

“Thank you for coming,” I whispered. I meant it. It was so much easier to weather the stares and laughter when I wasn’t alone.

He nodded, and we both watched the Commander take his place. His hair was short and gray, and he stood with the poise and stature of a man who had served many years in the military. He gave off the air of getting down to business and not taking anyone’s attitude.

“Welcome recruits!” His voice boomed, and even though I was in the far corner, I had no trouble hearing him. “It’s good to see you all made it safely through the night.”

A few snickers followed that statement, and his sharp gaze flicked to the source. “You there! I am Commander Dewal. What’s your name, recruit?”

A young man looked around before standing with cocky arrogance. “Name’s–”

“No, I changed my mind. I don’t need to know. You’re dismissed, son. Perhaps come back when you’re a real man.” His chin jutted toward the entrance. “Sergeant Briggs, see him directly to the gate.”

A mountain of a man, even bigger than General Rafe, marched down the middle aisle behind the young recruit. Undeterred, the recruit chuckled, casting an easy grin toward his friends. He started to say something else, but Sergeant Briggs reached around him, clamping his hand over his mouth. He wrenched his head and arm back and to the side. The recruit’s eyes flashed as he struggled to free himself. Sergeant Briggs twisted his arm viciously and there was an audible pop. My jaw dropped in horror as the recruit’s muffled scream filled the tent.

No one moved a muscle.

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