Page 97 of Forcing Fate

“Speaking of which,” Willhelm strode up from behind. Clearly, he’d heard a bit of our conversation. “You’ll not be allowed to wear dresses in the barracks, and only off grounds if you have orders to wear civilian garb.”

He shrugged at my sour expression as he fell into step beside me. “I spoke to Bane concerning it. You’re a soldier now. You belong to the King for the next five years and will wear what he demands.”

I frowned, staring at the dirt path. The weight of my decision pressed on me. I had given up my liberty. There was much that I could no longer choose for myself—dresses were only the beginning.

Wilhelm made a strange sound. When I glanced up, distaste smothered his face. “It really doesn’t suit you,” he said.

“Drat, I was hoping to compete in the most beautiful soldier contest,” I replied with a smirk.

He laughed, and we walked in peace, first heading back to the bunkhouse for me to grab my toiletries, and then to the spring.

The spring struck an emotional chord with me today. It was so peaceful. The deep, clear water with the sandy bottom was warm and comforting. The walls were a soft gray that reflected the light, making it feel brighter than it should have in a cave.

There were a few larger stones littered about on the sandy floor, on which Elenor perched facing the entrance. Niehm took her place at the mouth of the cave, leaning against the wall with her hand on the pommel of her weapon.

“Where did you learn to use a sword?” I asked her as I stripped, placing my uniform on a stone next to the pool.

“When I was a girl, and saw the first refugee women arrive at Northwing, I realized they did not know the way of the sword. They would always be mere prey to the Shadows. A man–” Her breath hitched as she stared out at the lake. “A man showed me how to use a blade. I know enough to protect myself.”

I hesitated before slipping into the pool, realizing she must be referencing Valden. She was still hurting for him, even after all these years. I dipped completely under the water before standing back up to undo my wet hair from its braid.

“Women rarely need to use a sword. That’s for the men,” Elenor said.

“What if a woman needs to defend herself?” I asked.

Surely she was not opposed to me learning to use a sword. Not only was I a soldier now, but it seemed a fundamental liberty I could learn at the very least.

“There are other ways.”

I bristled, ready to state my opinion when I caught her small, knowing smile. She stared out at the water with a cynical grin.

“Like?” I prompted.

“A woman does not have to wear a blade so large as a sword. There are more… subtle ways to carry a weapon.”

Ah, that I understood.

“I have a–” Well, he wasn’t a friend exactly. I started again, “There’s a man who offered to take me to buy a blade tonight. He also mentioned I wouldn’t want a sword.”

“Oh, what is his name?” Elenor asked as I retrieved my soap to wash up.

“He hasn’t told me, but he seems somewhat trustworthy.”

“You don’t know his name, but you’re willing to trust him?” Niehm asked in a mocking tone.

“I don’t trust him like Willhelm. I think he sees me as useful—as I see him. He is an ally that few men will venture to offend,” I explained. “If I stay close to him, I’m safe from the younger cadets.”

“What use could you serve to him?” Elenor’s tone revealed exactly what ‘use’ she implied.

“I’m not sure at this moment, though he doesn’t seem interested in my womanly attributes,” I replied sarcastically, climbing out of the pool.

“I’ll go with you. Just to check out this ally you have,” Niehm offered.

I smiled, realizing I wouldn’t even have to ask her to come along. I momentarily wondered if I should tell her that the bounty hunter would also check her out, but I omitted that.

I dried off as best I could with the small sheet from my toiletry pack, then dressed. Elenor eyed me up and down critically.

“I plan on sewing the lacing tonight,” I said, tugging at the neckline that gaped to my ribs.

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