An assistant, if you will.”
“Good. You know my friends will want to come with me.”
“Do they know the risks?”
“They will. And they will still want to come.”
“Very well,” he says. “If it is their wish.”
“Good,” I repeat.
“Get some sleep,” he says, turning away. “We march for Terrace in the morning.”
March for Terrace
Once again, we are walking. We would use horses, but lack the sufficient numbers as most of them are in the west. So we are walking.
Each of us wears issued armor: a shirt of chainmail underneath a steel breastplate, with a plain helmet, greaves, and gauntlets. Most hold a sword at their waist and a shield on their back. Jericho carries his hand axe instead of a sword. I carry only my hammer, and Nathaniel carries his. Gunther carries a broadsword similar to Father’s. He agreed that he would fight in the retake of Terrace, but afterward would stay home for his girl.
As I suspected, all six of them wanted to accompany me through the tunnels into the Keep. I am glad to have their support.
As we leave the city, the girls we had seen the night before wave to us, wishing us luck. I ignore them, but James and Jericho acknowledge and thank them.
Our first camp is a few hours after we cross Dragongate Bridge. The waterfall at the back of the Living Vale captures my attention for the entire time it is visible, because I know at the top my fathers lies safe in his grave. I find myself thankful the Jarl picked such a spot.
It’s at this first spot that the Jarl introduces me to Commander Magnus.
“Commander!” he calls. Magnus responds and strides to us. He’s of a slight build and not very tall, wearing decorated steel armor plates all over his body, including a helmet with a purple plume. The helm covers his face but for the eyes and mouth, showing somewhat larger lips and a slender chin. A brown cape bearing Gilgal’s insignia billows behind him. At his waist hangs an enormous broadsword.
“This is Kadmus Armstrong,” says the Jarl, gesturing. “He’s the young man I’ve been telling you all about.”
He nods, but says nothing. The Jarl, unperturbed, continues, “Kadmus, this is Commander Genevieve Magnus.”
That’s an odd name, I think. Then the commander removes his helmet, and I see that it is most definitely not a ‘him.’
Her smooth skin and youthful eyes reveal her as very young. Her hair is reddish brown and tied back into a ponytail, her face is slender, and her nose is small.
“A pleasure,” she says as she looks me up and down, tucking her helmet under her arm. Her voice is melodious and matches her pretty face. She holds out her metal-encased hand for me to shake, and I take it.
“The pleasure is mine.”
“I have heard of you,” she says. “The Jarl has told me all of your incredible feats. But I will have you know that I am your commander, and I will not take orders from a lucky blacksmith.”
“Of course,” I say with a sarcastic smile. “May I ask how you became a commander at such a young age and-”
“And as a woman?” she snaps.
“Yes.” I say it matter-of-factly, like I’m not sorry to bring it up.
“That’s none of your concern,” she says. “Probably the same way you’re getting up now.”
“So, surviving on luck?” I retaliate.
“No,” she answers. “Just surviving.” She turns and walks away.
“She’s a joy,” I mutter sarcastically to the Jarl.
He suppresses a laugh. “Oh, that’s a word for it!” he manages.
Every night, we train. Veterans teach and coach newer recruits around campfires. They’re sparring with sticks or with swords if they’re more careless. I am challenged a few times, though never by my friends. I refuse to participate. I know if I do, I will do much more damage than I mean with my hammer.
So I disappear into the forest.
Why? the voice inside me burns. Why? I’m asking myself this for a couple of reasons. First of all: Why did Father have to die!? What did he do to deserve death? All he did was love his family and protect them. Does that mean he had to die? It’s my fault…
No it’s not, another part of me says. You know it’s not.
But that arrow was aimed at me!
It was his decision to save you.
…Why did I need saving?
Because Tygnar was attacking. Lucius Swordbreaker ordered that attack that resulted in the death of your father.
I must avenge him.
Secondly, I wonder: Why did they attack? Why is