Page 101 of Forcing Fate

All the blood rushed from my face. I had twenty-three gold, and thirteen silver. Not that I needed the coin, but I would have liked to buy my mother something for the winter solstice. And have spare coin to cover any costs that might come up.

“Gerald. Must we?” Darrak sighed.

“It’s all part of the game, son,” he said, offering a sly smile.

“They’re decent blades, I’ll give you that, but small. They’re worth three apiece, at best.”

The old man held a hand over his heart, acting mortally wounded. “Three gold in simply the materials, perhaps! The amount of work that goes into such small blades—think of the weapon smiths you’re robbing with those words! I’ll take eighteen for the pair.”

“Weapon smiths could have these done in a day. Small, but crude. They have no flair or beauty. I’ll offer ten gold for the pair.”

“Crude? No beauty? The first time that girl sheds the blood of her attackers, she will think differently. She will see the beauty then. Fifteen. No less.” He leaned back, clearly satisfied he had won.

Darrak looked at me and Niehm in question. I gave her a brief nod. It would leave enough to buy my mother a new blanket, or cloak. I earned two gold a month from my service in the ranks. There would be enough left over to cover any costs that might arise.

She counted out the coins, careful to not allow the old man see how much was still left. She reached over to give the coins to him.

“Thank you, fine lady.”

I bristled at the way he looked at her. She stepped back and gave him a brisk nod.

“Fare thee well! Let me know when you break them in!” he called, laughing to himself as we turned away.

I handed the bandit breaker to Niehm and bowed my head to tie the necklace around my neck. I walked, watching the hem of her dress as I tied the knot securely. The blade dropped to my chest, and she came to an abrupt stop as I tucked it into my shirt.

General Rafe blocked our path. I stepped to Niehm’s side as he jerked his chin at Darrak.

The bounty hunter simply walked away.

I stared at Darrak’s retreating back as he took off without a parting word. He didn’t question General Rafe, or act offended. That simple jerk of a chin dismissed him and he accepted it.

Interesting.

I looked up at General Rafe, who held out his hand expectantly.

“Begging your pardon, sir. We’ll be on our way,” I said, attempting to step around him.

He sidestepped, reaching up to grip my chin. He lifted my face, forcing me to meet his dark gaze. I heard the whisper of steel and gritted my teeth in annoyance.

“Don’t Master Niehm. This is not your affair.” He didn’t even bother looking at her. His eye was locked on mine and I fought the urge to jerk away.

Niehm bristled. “This is my–”

“Your what?” he snapped.

His hand fell from my chin. He stepped close to her, crowding her, and I clenched my fists at my side, helpless. I couldn’t touch him.

“She’s what to you? A friend? You’re a schoolteacher. She’s no longer a schoolgirl,” he sneered. “She’s a soldier now. My soldier. She obeys me, not you.”

Rage radiated from her. She straightened to her full height, still head and shoulders shorter than him, but I saw fire in her eyes.

“You dare to–”

“Yes. I dare.”

He snatched the bandit breaker out of her hand and turned his back to her. She flushed red and glared at his broad shoulders, a mere breath away from her face. Her mouth opened, then snapped shut with a click. An amused smirk crossed his face.

“A bandit breaker. So he thought this would be a good bet,” he murmured to himself.

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