Page 14 of Forcing Fate

I stood there in awe. A thrill of excitement buzzed through my veins. This was action. This was preparation for war. I would fight alongside these men. They would have my back as I fought against the Shadow Men.

“Woman present!” Willhelm shouted, causing me to flinch out of my daydream.

The wall of shields faltered as soldiers craned their heads, and Master Damon paused mid-shout to turn and look at me.

“Girl, I left you in my office!” he barked, clearly outraged.

I bit my lip. Masters were to be respected, but he needed to know I wasn’t some dog to be told to stay. I was an assistant, not a servant.

“My apologies, Master Damon. I’ve finished the task you set me to, and simply wondered if there might be anything else you would like me to attend to while you’re teaching, as my orders stated.”

He ignored my question and snapped a glare at Willhelm. “Sir Willhelm, was she wandering about?”

“I’m afraid so, Master.”

Master Damon heaved a sigh and rubbed his brow. “They sent me a girl, like I’m some nursemaid,” he muttered.

I lifted my chin defiantly. I was not some child to be entertained. “If you’ll not be needing me here, sir, I’m sure I can set to organizing the shields in your office.” I grabbed a handful of my dress, turning to leave.

“No! Don’t touch the shields! Sun above, no!” he bellowed. He gestured to a row of chairs against a wall. “Might as well take a seat till I be needing something,” he grumbled.

I smiled at Willhelm, who gave me a brief nod before heading off. My grin disappeared when I noticed the layers of blood, sweat, and dirt splattering the chairs. I wasn’t stuck up, but I was a lady. The last thing I needed was to worry about one of the few dresses I owned getting stained. I picked the chair that seemed the least filthy and gingerly sat on the edge.

“Well, get back to it, you bunch of daisy-headed bulls!” he barked.

Master Damon guided the men through several formations. I watched with rapt attention, having never had the chance to study the combat aspect of Dragon Riding. They worked laboriously and the stench of sweat filled the air. Their muscles trembled with effort as they lifted the large rectangle shields, trying to protect their fellow men from the chalk-tipped arrows. When struck, they removed themselves from formation and stood off to the side, leaning against their shields.

By the fifth chime, sixteen soldiers remained. As the chimes rang through the grounds, relief swept through them. Their shoulders slumped, and they wiped the sweat from their brows. Still, they awaited dismissal from Master Damon. He stepped off his crate and went through each man’s weaknesses and strengths. He instructed those who struggled, suggesting different techniques and tactics to prevent gaps in various formations. After dismissing them, he motioned for me to join him.

Master Damon walked much slower than Willhelm. My stomach rumbled, and hunger weakened my knees. I was thankful for the steady pace.

“Miss Avyanna, did you learn anything today?” he asked. His thin lips darted upward as if he was doing his best to entertain me.

“I did, Master. I learned how hard the men work to protect one another.”

“Eh?” He cupped an ear and leaned closer, eyes darting down to my lips as if to read them.

I took a deep breath to project my voice and repeated myself.

He nodded, pleased by my answer. “That they do, miss. They know their safety not only relies on their own abilities, but the abilities of their fellow man.”

“And what of the Dragon Riders? How do they protect the soldiers?” Heads turned our way at my half-yelled question.

Master Damon regarded me thoughtfully. “Ah, you were the First Chosen that the dragon ignored last year, aren’t you, lass?”

“Yes, sir.” My words were firm, but I couldn’t help but drop my gaze to my feet as I said them. “The hatchling chose a Second Chosen. Their bond is strong… the dragonling was not meant for me.”

“You’ll be offered as First Chosen a second time, will you not?”

“Aye.” I smiled, letting the truth of that statement chase away my defeat. “That I will.”

“It would be good of a Rider to think of how they can protect the men as the men work to protect the Riders,” he said, returning to my question. “I suppose the dragons could protect the soldiers, but they’re more useful for offense. They do too much damage to be placed elsewhere.”

“But what of the dragons that defend the homelands? Why are they here if they’re too valuable at the front?” I wondered.

“The Dragon Kind who safeguard our homelands are mostly older dragons with weaker fire capabilities.”

“So if a dragon and its Rider are orderly and have no trouble with fire, would they be placed at the front?”

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