Page 96 of Forcing Fate

“Now she has a name,” he said. The first hint of a smile lifted the corner of his mouth.

“That she does. I’ll see if she can come, though I’m sure I can afford my own sword.”

He turned to fully face me. “Sword?”

“Isn’t that what we’re going to buy?” I asked.

He let out a sharp bark of laughter and stood. “You don’t need a sword. Come find me when you’re ready.”

He took off toward the door, dropping his metal plate into the dirty bin. I stared after him, wondering how Niehm would take his interest. She’d probably attempt to remove his head from his body.

I sat there observing the dining hall from the corner. The men at Willhelm’s table were engaged in some deep conversation, with Willhelm glancing in my direction now and then to check on me.

Corporal Bane scanned the room periodically. His eyes landed on mine and held my gaze until Sergeant Greyson nudged him, drawing his attention. He and Sergeant Greyson seemed closer than the others. They were near in age, so perhaps they had served together.

There were a few groups of younger men eating with one another. Some were louder and more obnoxious than others, but I didn’t spot many loners. Most of the officers ate alongside each other as well.

Victyr and his lot were quiet at their table. He sent me a withering glare, which I promptly ignored. I wouldn’t rise to his bullying antics.

Elenor appeared at the door, shoulders squared as she surveyed the crowd. I stood and cut across the room, offering a small smile when she spotted me. She dipped her head in acknowledgment and waited for me to exit before speaking.

“Avyanna.”

“Master Elenor.”

Niehm was waiting outside, arms crossed over her chest, sword at her side, glaring at the men whose gaze dared step too close to her.

“Niehm!” I called with a grin.

She turned and looked me up and down with a frown. I dropped into my best curtsy, pulling at the sides of my trousers as if they were a dress.

“You look hideous.” Her face twisted into a grimace.

“Come along.” Elenor gestured ahead and led us through the throng of men. Niehm and I followed, walking side by side.

“I thought I looked quite pretty.”

Trousers were so odd. I felt exposed, yet the brush of fabric rubbed against my thighs as I walked, reassuring me I was completely covered. It was strange to have so much fabric wrapped around me and still feel so naked.

“I’ve seen cows prettier than you in that getup.”

“You’ve seen cows dressed in clothes?!” I mocked, holding a hand to my chest in shock.

Niehm gave me the side eye and cracked a smile. “Even naked, they look better.”

I scoffed. I had enough self-respect to know I was prettier than a cow.

I thought.

“I’m going to tailor them a bit.” I shrugged.

With her head held high, Elenor cut through the men like a knife through butter as she led us toward the path for the hidden spring.

“I’m glad to hear that. You look like a feed sack draped on a stick. Do you only have one set?”

“She’ll receive another now that her sizes have been recorded,” Elenor commented. I stared at the back of her head—her black and silver bun as tidy as ever.

“That’s good to know. At least I’ll have a spare for when I wash them.”

---