The Girl Forged by Fate by Brittany Czarnecki

Author:Brittany Czarnecki
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gatekeeper Press

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

THE FALL

Rayner ran through the streets of what was once Harper Hall. Civilians rushed past him to escape the death that was coming. Dead bodies lay burning in the streets. His mind was on his father, whom he’d left to defend himself and Correlyn, still vulnerable up on the wall. He shook his head as if that would help him refocus just as a fire barrel came crashing down behind him. The explosion threw him off his feet, and the wind was knocked out of his lungs as he hit the ground. His ears were ringing, his pulse racing. Muffled screams surrounded him. Somewhere off in the distance, another explosion erupted, lighting up the smoke that filled the streets.

Rayner got back to his feet and ran toward the castle, where he hoped to find his grandfather. As he reached for the door, a sword came down and nearly sliced off his hand. The raider jabbed at him, but Rayner dodged his blade and slipped in the snow beneath his feet. He dug his sword into the ground and flung it up quickly, sending slush and dirt at the man’s face. Rayner took advantage of his temporary blindness and charged, plunging his blade through the raider’s throat.

Rayner flew through the door of the castle to see civilians huddled together on the floor. Bleeding and panting, he asked the nearest person where Lord Harald was.

Rayner found his grandfather dressed in shining armor with a sword belted on his hip, staring out the window of his bedchamber.

His room faced the sea, and from there he couldn’t witness the destruction that was taking place at the front of his castle.

“Grandfather,” Rayner said, out of breath. “We have to go.”

The lord made no move to leave, so Rayner ran to him and turned him around. Lord Harald’s eyes were wet with tears, but the man looked angry. “Grandfather, please. We have to go. The raiders have broken through the gates.”

Still, Lord Harald stayed silent.

“They have a catapult! Can’t you hear what they’re doing to your people outside?” Rayner yelled, his hands shaking with anger and adrenaline.

Lord Harald flared his nose. “I hear just fine, boy. It’s you who isn’t listening.”

Rayner released him and stepped back. “What are you talking about? What kind of lord leaves his people to die?”

Lord Harald stepped up to him. “Don’t presume to know what it takes to be a lord! You’re only now just a man!” He fussed with his armor and calmed himself. “This fight is already lost.” His voice held all the defeat to match his words. Rayner felt the anger rising inside him as he grabbed hold of his grandfather’s breastplate.

“Good men and women are out there risking their lives for you, and you won’t even do them the honor of fighting alongside them?” Rayner shoved him back. “You’re a coward. Stay hidden in your castle. I’ll let the raiders know you won’t fight back.” Rayner turned and stormed out of the room, leaving his grandfather to ponder his words.

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