Page 170 of Forcing Fate

The walk back to the barracks' stable cooled the horse down, and I stopped to let him drink at a trough outside a paddock. Passing soldiers eyed us curiously. I wasn’t sure what reputation Xzanth had before he was recruited by Rafe, but I had been fairly well known. Which I’d rather not have been.

We walked the gelding to an open area and tied him. I loosened his girth and tugged the saddle off, taking it to the tack room. Wiping it down, I returned it to the rack and retrieved a comb to brush the horse out.

The army had stableboys to do this job, but General Rafe required his men to take care of their own mounts. There would be no stableboys running with his Tennan, and each soldier was required to care for their own belongings.

I returned to the gelding and started brushing the dried sweat out of his coat. “When will we know which horses we’ll be traveling with?” I asked, rubbing at a dirty patch.

The beast blew through his lips and leaned into the comb. I chuckled and pushed back against him.

“General Rafe has his own stallion. Jamlin has a mare he favors. There is a horseflesh auction in a fortnight. I assume that is where we’ll purchase them.”

I smiled, thinking of what horse I would end up with. Rafe wouldn’t choose a poor match for me. Whatever beast he assigned me would be calm and steady. I would have to learn to trust it with my life… and with letting go of the reins.

“Hail, Avyanna.”

I dropped into a crouch, beaming as I peeked under the gelding’s belly. Willhelm leaned against the fence, the slight breeze tousling his black hair.

“Willhelm!”

“Riding?” He gestured to the horse.

I stood and finished with that side. “Just getting back.”

Xzanth and Willhelm nodded at each other in acknowledgment.

“How’s your new training?” he asked.

I moved to the far side of the gelding, closer to him. “Great, truly great, to be honest,” I replied, smiling.

“That knot on your head says otherwise.” He jerked his chin to point out the large bruise at my temple.

“I’m a terrible rider. A horse threw me two days ago,” I offered with a light laugh.

“You’re a fine rider… for a lady,” Xzanth spoke up. “Just not a mounted warrior… yet.”

Willhelm regarded Xzanth. “She doesn’t trust them.” He jerked his head toward the gelding.

“Being so small in comparison, it will take time,” Xzanth replied.

I climbed a rail on the fence to brush the gelding’s back. “Maybe I need a smaller horse,” I jested. “A fine little pony to ride into war.”

Willhelm laughed, and even Xzanth cracked a smile.

“I’ve heard the ponies from the foothills of E’or are quite fierce,” Willhelm mused. “Shaggy things, though.”

“Riding an oversized dog would suit her,” Xzanth agreed.

I squinted at Xzanth, intrigued that speaking with Willhelm was bringing him out of his shell.

“How’s Niehm?” I asked, starting on the mane.

“She came once after you were transferred, but I haven’t seen her since. She doesn’t care for the barracks.”

“I hope she’s not worried.” I frowned, tugging at a tangle.

“She’s less worried about your training and more worried about… other matters.”

I looked at him from the corner of my eye. “Other matters?”

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