Page 93 of Forcing Fate

“Every single one. You’ll be taught the basics of how to handle them. That way, if an enemy attacks you with one, you will know what to expect. It’s rudimentary training. You won’t be required to handle them perfectly.”

I rubbed my tired eyes and placed my head on my knees.

“Rough night?” The barest hint of concern lingered in his voice.

“You could say that.”

I was too tired to go into the details. What point would it serve to tell him, anyway? He would feel worse about me being a soldier, and there was nothing he could do to help. He was tucked away in the officers’ quarters, not anywhere near the recruits’ bunkhouse.

He made a humming sound, but I didn’t bother to look up. Exhaustion pooled in my bones, and as the warm sun beat down, I wanted nothing more than to close my eyes and sleep.

“Recruits!”

I forced myself to sit up at Commander Dewal’s bellow. The recruits had all changed into their uniforms and made their way to the benches. In a chair pulled off to the side of the Commander, sat General Rafe.

I say he sat in it, but in all honesty, he dominated it. With his legs spread and his back relaxed against the chair, he openly surveyed the recruits. His hands rested on his muscular thighs—both feet planted firmly on the ground. He looked relaxed, yet ready to pounce at a moment’s notice.

His eye found mine, and I turned away from the intensity to focus on the Commander.

“Those of you that sit here have passed inspections. Congratulations, recruits. You’re now at the bottom of the food chain,” Commander Dewal started. “Until you see next Recruitment Day, you are labeled as first year cadets. If you make it to next year, you will be free to gain rank and will have proven that you can obey orders. I expect nothing less.

“We are the King’s soldiers. We are the force that fights the Shadows and keeps them at bay. Dragon Riders alone cannot hold back the tide. We are needed. You are needed. Some of you will be fodder. Some will make it to the front—and die.” He paused, letting that last bit sink in. “And some of you will survive. We require complete and immediate obedience. When we give a command, you will reply ‘Yes, sir!’ and obey.

“Know that your survival depends on your Captain. Your Captain will be loyal to you, and expects your loyalty in return. You will be divided into companies of thirty. Those companies will be your new families.

“Cadets, understand that this will not be easy… but you are soldiers now. Yesterday is past, tomorrow is unknown, and today—you live. You obey.”

He droned on about the difficulties that lie ahead and how loyalty and honor were valued above all else. I tried to listen, but I found myself nodding off, cursing my lack of sleep. At one point Wilhelm’s boot nudged mine, and I startled back to awareness. I flashed him an apologetic smile and attempted to pay attention.

“There’s much to train for. When you will leave these barracks, it will be as an elite fighting force. You have given your word and sworn your oaths. You will protect your home, your families, and face the Shadows, forcing them back from whence they came.

“I would advise that you take this opportunity to write home or find someone who knows their letters to write home for you. You may not have another chance for some time. Dismissed!”

The recruits, now soldiers, stood and took their belongings with them as they walked in different directions. I blinked wearily and pushed to my feet. I threw my leg over the bench. Fabric chafed against my skin. The trousers were somehow constricting and freeing at the same time. I felt as though I was confined, yet more exposed than ever.

We were free until the fifth chime signaled our evening meal. I muffled a yawn and rubbed my eyes.

“Did you not sleep well?” Willhelm asked.

The bounty hunter walked off without a word, and I turned to Willhelm with a frown. “I had visitors all night,” I muttered.

His brows came down as his gaze cut through me. “Unwelcome visitors?” His tone pitched low.

“Do you think I would welcome anyone in my room in the dead of night? Of course not.” I sighed after snapping at him. He didn’t deserve that.

He hesitated, and his features softened. “Did you get hurt?”

“No, I pushed the cot in front of the door before I went down for the night. It kept them out at least.”

He paused again, lost in his thoughts, before tilting his head and studying me. His eyes danced over the dark circles that were surely under my own, then over my frazzled hair.

“Come,” he said, and started off.

“Where?” I grumbled, but followed.

“You have three chimes before the evening meal. You’ll get some rest. I’ll talk to someone tonight concerning your visitors.”

“Please don’t.” I jogged to his side. “I want to do this on my own—I’ll figure out something.”

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