Page 9 of Forcing Fate

A crisp chill bit at my skin, pulling me from my sleep. Morning rays gleamed through my small window, and I groaned, throwing my feet over the side of the bed. The longer I put off getting up, the harder it would be.

The unforgiving wood floors were freezing against my threadbare stockings. My thin blanket did even less to ward off the cold. I stood and stretched, willing the blood to pump faster through my veins to warm my body. After folding my blanket, I straightened my pillow. Master Elenor did not tolerate messy rooms.

I padded over to my basin and splashed the frigid water on my face, holding in my gasp. Winter was over, but its chill still clung to the northern lands. I combed my hair, throwing it into a braid, and wound it about my head. Taking a drink of water to swish in my mouth, I examined myself in the mirror.

The dragons and their Riders would return soon—due in a fortnight. I was much more eager to see them with the promise of a dragonling next Hatching Day. I wanted to watch the dragons and Riders in my free time, observe them, and learn more about the bond. Even with all the books I read, studying them with my own eyes provided far more satisfaction.

Slipping out of my night shift, I dressed in my beige walking dress. My brown dress was for working in the gardens, my gray gown for formal events, and the blue for everyday wear. Today I’d serve with the Shield Master, and I needed something comfortable and easy to move around in.

It surprised me when I learned I’d be assisting soldiers and their Masters as well. Normally, students and soldiers were strictly separated until one was chosen as a Dragon Rider. Only then were they encouraged to learn the ways of the sword and spear. I assumed their reasoning for me tending to the War Masters was simply because they were taking more and more recruits. With the absence of the Dragon Riders, there were fewer bodies to help out in the barracks. They needed all the help they could get.

Slipping on my new spring boots that my mother had sent to me in celebration of my seventeenth winter, I admired the soft leather. I was eager to wear them even if it was still a bit cold. She did her best to send me sensible gifts, knowing I didn’t care for frivolous things. Not that I wouldn’t be grateful for them, I just appreciated practical things.

Grabbing my cloak, I made my way down the hall, mindful of my footsteps. I was an early riser. Some women were quite cranky in the mornings, and I wanted to avoid being the recipient of their nastiness. Ducking into the stairwell and down the first flight of stairs, I headed for the common room. Smells of freshly baked bread and bacon greeted me as my boots hit the second floor of the dorms. I would grab a quick bite before continuing on my way.

“Well, if it isn’t the Masters’ pet.”

And with that, my morning soured like curdled milk.

“Good day, Vivian.” I smiled.

‘Kill them with kindness.’ That was what they always said, right?

“Headed off to assist another Master? Maybe kiss some of their boots while you’re at it?” She twirled a strand of raven hair around her finger.

Vivian was nasty—she had the personality of a snake. I gave her grace because she lost both her mother and her father when Shadow Men attacked her city. Maybe it was the lack of parental guidance that made her forget her manners so frequently.

She tried to block my way into the common room, but I managed to brush past her seething form.

“I heard you’re going to the barracks today. You know what they say about those soldiers, right?”

I ignored her, looking at the long table on the far wall laden with food. There were ten tables set up with benches around them, a few occupied by older women. I made my way over, not bothering with a plate or napkin. I wouldn’t be here long. Meats were reserved for the elderly and the Masters, not for students or younger workers. There were breads and a few preserves with some dried fruits as well. I snagged a warm roll and a handful of dried apples.

“They’ll eat you alive.” Vivian followed me.

Only a year older, yet she acted like that gave her permission to walk all over me. Her bitter attitude made me struggle to remember her fallen parents. Maybe that’s why she was up early. She might have night terrors about losing them.

I refused to give in to her ugly words and let her twist my mindset. I was better than that. “Have a grand day, Vivian,” I said, smiling and heading off to the stairs.

The other students had been particularly cruel since they heard the Masters granted me a second chance as First Chosen. That, combined with the fact that I was no longer a student, but a Masters’ assistant. They assumed it changed me somehow or made me haughty. I was the same girl they always ignored before, and I didn’t quite understand why this made a difference. They’d only see less of me, especially if I helped in the barracks. Wasn’t that a good thing?

I scurried down the stairs and through the main hall, past the guards, and nodded to the morning secretary. “Good morn!” I greeted in passing, turning for the door.

“Oh, Miss Avyanna!” the secretary called.

I turned on my heel, hurrying back to her desk. “Yes, ma’am?”

“I’ve been asked to inform you that there’s been a change to your schedule,” she said. “Sword Master Elon will take a step back, as General Rafe ShadowSlayer is returning with the Dragon Riders. You’ve been asked to assist the General for two weeks’ time, following your term with the Shield Master. Afterwards, you’re to resume the current circuit of Masters.”

“Is General Rafe ill?” I asked.

General Rafe had been at the front lines since my father died. Mother told me he had started in the same company as my father and rose to General in the short twelve years since. It was the fastest anyone had ever climbed the ranks.

“He has suffered a battle injury, yes, and will take time here to help teach the new recruits as he recuperates,” she replied.

“Thank you for informing me.” I gave her a polite nod and turned to head out the door again.

Lost in my thoughts, I nearly collided with the back of a young man.

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