Page 83 of Forcing Fate

We all wore civilian clothing, and it reminded me of what the Corporal said. “Weapons inspection is tomorrow,” I mused, watching as an older soldier forced the rowdy group apart with a laugh.

“Mm-hmm.”

“The most dangerous thing I’ve handled is a dinner knife,” I admitted, glancing at the bounty hunter to see an amused flicker cross his face.

“Mighty dangerous, that is.”

I grinned and looked down at my raw palms. “Do you think I should wrap them? Would it hinder my grip?” I wondered aloud.

With more gentleness than I thought him capable of, he held my hand and examined the damage. Despite the care he took, I flinched at the contact. I had to get over this moral barrier of touching men. If these men were to be my family, in essence, I needed to adjust to a little touch here and there.

“Plantain.”

I perked up. I knew the plant was edible, but didn’t realize it had medicinal properties.

“Narrowleaf. Broadleaf plantain will be easier to find, but not nearly as potent. Make a salve, and wrap it—or see a Healer.”

I bristled at the thought of seeing a Healer over such a little thing. They had more important matters to handle than cut up palms. “I think I’ll try the salve.” I stood and placed my tray in the dirty bin.

When I glanced back, the bounty hunter remained in his place. Willhelm was engaged in a conversation with his friends, and so I left the dining hall.

I didn’t need an escort now, anyway.

I thought perhaps being a recruit might have given me a bit of grace with roaming the barracks till curfew. Last spring I figured the barracks had no curfew—turns out recruits did not have the same freedoms as those in higher ranks.

As I headed to the forest, I realized just how right Healer Rashel had been. It indeed felt as if I had a target painted on my back. When I crossed the empty training fields, the hairs on the nape of my neck stood on end. I peered over my shoulder. A tall man with dark hair and a thick beard followed behind. He moved with predatory grace, stalking after me with no care of being seen.

I told myself it was a coincidence that we wandered in the same direction and tried to brush it off. This wasn’t the same as before, when that man cornered me in the alley last spring. I was a recruit—one of them. The sun was still a few hours from setting, and although there wasn’t anyone around, I heard soldiers milling about past the line of buildings. Surely, if anything happened, and I screamed, someone would come to help.

I tried to calm my breathing as I stopped at the edge of the woods, scanning the foliage. Plantain was easy to spot, and I figured this would be a good place to find some. Crouching down, I ignored the footsteps coming toward me and fingered a leaf of clover.

The booted feet halted directly behind me, not a pace away. Unease slithered through me, and I stood, turning to face the man. He was tall, much taller than me, though almost everyone was. Thick lashes framed his dark eyes. His uniform fit snug to his body, showing off a muscular form. Surely a lady or two would find him handsome.

Some other lady.

“Can I help you?” I asked, cursing my voice for shaking.

He didn’t smile—didn’t say a word. He came close, tucking loose strands of white hair behind my ear. I shuddered and turned my face from his touch. Everything the Healer warned me of rang through my memory. He shoved a rough hand into my shoulder toward the woods. I shook my head and sidestepped away from him.

“No.” My throat tightened.

Panic enveloped me, flooding my veins. I couldn’t fight him—couldn’t run from him. If I screamed, would anyone come? My heart slammed into my ribs as warning bells joined my mental fray.

His fingers snatched my shoulder, and I jerked away with a running step toward the training fields. His arm wrapped around my middle, yanking me against him. I screamed, kicking and thrashing against his hold. His heavy palm clamped over my lips, muffling my terrified cries as he hauled me through the woods. I jerked my head to bite his hand, but he cupped it too tight. I screamed as loud as I could, flailing my limbs back at him, hoping someone, anyone, would hear me.

Shadows smothered the light of day as he dragged me deeper into the woods. He finally threw me to the ground. Stars danced in my vision from the impact.

“No, no, no!” I spun, jerking to stand. “Please, no. Don’t do this.”

Frantic—I scanned the thicket. I wouldn’t make it far, brambles crowded around the small clearing.

He made no sound as he reached for his belt. I lost what little composure I had and threw myself at him, sinking my nails into his arms. He barked a curse, shoving me off. Stumbling, I collided with the brambles just behind. Thorns tore through my dress, leaving angry red lines speckled with blood. I cried out, bracing myself as he stomped closer. Bloody gouges streaked his skin. His eyes burned with menace as he jerked at his belt.

“Please, no. Please! If the Corporals find out–” I stopped at the smile on his face. It was almost as if the idea of them finding us amused him.

He whipped his belt from his trousers and looped it together, giving it a sharp snap. Tears stung my eyes, but I refused to look away. He took a step toward me and grabbed a fistful of my dress. I latched onto his forearm.

“Don’t.”

---