Page 19 of Forcing Fate

His glare sharpened on me before snapping back to Willhelm. “Who put you up to this?” he snarled.

In a few strong strides, he was across the tent, drawing up to his full height before Willhelm. I was short, but Willhelm was an average man’s height, and even then, he only reached the General’s thick neck.

“Sir, she is tasked with assisting you.” Willhelm held his ground. “This is no scheme.”

I bit my lip, affronted that my being here would seem like some foolhardy trick. It was unusual, no doubt. However, the Masters wanted to give me the best fighting edge they could before my dragonling hatched. Unable to join the other yearling Dragon Riders in their combat training this year, the Masters granted me this small boon.

“General Rafe,” I started, drawing his withering glare, “I have assisted Master Damon before you and was due to aid Master Elon. However, I was assigned to you upon the announcement of your arrival.” I managed to get it all out, though my heart beat like a rabbit’s when it sighted a hawk.

“Tell me,” he moved toward me menacingly, crowding me, “what good is a girl like you to a General?”

He was so much taller than me, the top of my head barely met his chest. I took another step back. He kept coming, prowling in my direction like some animal. A dangerous glint flared in his eye.

“I—I don’t know yet, sir. I can assist with paperwork, or organizing, or–”

“Enough!” he roared.

My back collided with a shelf, knocking its contents to the floor.

“General Rafe!” Willhelm shouted, voice laced with silent warning.

The General was far too close for comfort. I craned my head to meet his glare, his chest a mere breath from my face.

“I have no need for an assistant.” His lip curled in disgust. “Get out,” he ordered, not moving an inch.

I swallowed hard, hating that my nerves made the movement so noticeable. “It is my duty–” I breathed.

“Go!”

His bellow sent me darting out from under his looming body and into the middle of the room. Willhelm glanced at me, apprehension clenching his jaw as he stepped to my side. He could not stand up to a General without punishment, but perhaps I could. After all, I was not a soldier under his command. I was a Masters’ assistant. General Rafe was intimidating and frightening, but I would not allow him to rob me of this opportunity.

I worked to collect my thoughts. “Sir, ignore my presence if you wish. I will make use of myself where I can. As I have stated, I am not here only to assist, but to learn.”

He scoffed over my last words. “First off, I might be able to ignore your girlish presence, yet the men will not. Second, do I look like some school teacher, ready to help you learn your manners and etiquette, girl? No. I teach men, not children.” Thankfully, he kept his distance this time, boots rooted to the ground.

Gritting my teeth, I took a calming breath. I would not be humiliated anymore, but I would leave with him knowing I was more than just some simpering babe.

Squaring my shoulders, I lifted my chin. “I, Avyanna of Gareth, have the right to learn of combat as First Chosen of the King’s School. Combat I would see, if not partake in its practice.”

Something akin to recognition flashed in his eye when I spoke my father’s name. They had served together, though I wasn’t sure if he remembered him. As it was, his name was the only chance I had.

“Of Gareth?” His voice softened a fraction, though it was nowhere near a normal man’s pitch.

“My father, Gareth, gave his life for the King and homelands thirteen years ago,” I said quietly, though as firmly as I could manage. I was willing to be taught, but I was not willing to be tread upon.

I followed his gaze as it moved to my hair, then my face and my eyes. His frown deepened, as if he was considering my statement. Would he remember my father? I was sure that between then and now the General had lost countless men. Still, I clung to the hope that his name would mean something.

“Combat is no place for a girl.” General Rafe glowered, though his words held less bite.

“I will not be a girl, but a Dragon Rider, when I see the Shadow Men in combat.” I glared, back rigid and feet braced beneath me. If he rejected me now, I would count my losses and leave, but I’d do so with my head held high.

Resignation crossed his face, but disappeared as quickly as it came. “You will stay out of sight. If you distract the soldiers, you will regret it.”

I stifled my sigh of relief. “What would you have me do?” I asked.

“Whatever it is that girls do.” Contempt burned in his stare.

That statement was like a slap in the face, but I had no time to retaliate as he stormed out of the tent before I could tell him as much.

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