A Court of Trickery and Salvation

Chapter One

I pant heavily as I slide one foot back to keep my balance from the blow I blocked with my own sword. The male before me smiles wickedly as he pushes harder against our clashed swords and I struggle to push back, my muscles screaming from the hours of intense training. 'For Nesta, Elain, and Feyre.' I tell myself as frustration and determination help me shove the male back off my sword before I sweep his feet out from underneath him. Seems like a win for me until I feel his fingers wrap around my wrist and yank me down with him, twisting so my back hits the ground hard. My breath is knocked from my lungs then my heart skips when I feel the cool metal of a blade at my neck.

"You've been getting better but you still have a long way to go." Crighton says before rising to his feet and walking away to join the rest of the gathered men. A shadow looms over me and I strain my eyes against the blinding sun to see Hawke extending a hand down to me while glaring at Crighton.

"If looks could kill Crighton would be dead." I chuckle as I grab his hand and he hauls me to my feet, finally looking away from the bastard towards me. "He didn't hurt me Hawke." I playfully nudge his shoulder, bringing a half smile to his lips. "He wouldn't be stupid enough to while you're here. Even though I don't know why you're so protective of me." I shake my head and dust off my clothes before bending down to pick up my blade.

"Because it seems no one ever has." He says gently yet distantly as if lost in trying to piece together my past. "You're not from Solis yet you live and fight in a war that has nothing to do with you. Not only that but you're one of very little women in the army. What father would send their daughter into this?" Hawke's tone sharpens and that glare returns to his face as he looks towards the sky, his hand curling into a fist at his side.

"It only took you a few months to warm up to me and look at you now." I hold back a chuckle, trying desperately to get that godsdamn look off his face. "My father didn't send me here, I signed up on my own." His gaze cut to mine so quickly I thought he might accidentally snap his own neck, the sun catching his eyes and turning them fiery. "My father can't work and my two older sisters are spoiled plus I couldn't let my other sister carry the burden herself so I joined. If I die on the battlefield then they get a significant sum of money...."

"That won't happen." Hawke growls, his fists tightening so hard his knuckles turn white and I'm afraid his palms might start bleeding. The urge to take his hands into mine is overwhelming but to many people are watching. It would cause way to many problems for him if they saw.

"Let me finish." I roll my eyes as I sass him, nudging his shoulder with my own. "If I manage to survive then I can send money to them every month. I'm not planning on dying Hawke." I tell him seriously before sheathing my blade back at my side.

"With that flimsy sword of yours the Craven will take care of you before you have a chance to get out on the battlefield." He sounds like he's trying to joke but it sounds like the idea of me dying effects him more than it does me.

"Well not everyone has a bloodstone sword. Sounds like you're going to need one in Masadonia." Again his gaze snaps to mine, his eyes wide with rage and shock.

"Who told you?" He growls out but I just shake my head and dismiss him, he'd butcher them if he'd found out what happens when he's out on patrol.

"It's an honor Hawke, to be chosen to be the personal bodyguard to the Maiden." I finally lock eyes with him, a small smile on my lips. "You get out of this hellhole and get to be somewhere that matters." That alone sent the rage burning brighter in his eyes and he opens his mouth to retort but I hold my hand up. "I'll be fine Hawke go play big brother to her. Who knows, maybe you'll finally fall in love with one of the Ladies up there." I chuckle then look up at the sky as the sun sinks below the horizon. "Go get some sleep, you know I like the night watch."

"You know, Crighton wouldn't get the drop on you if you actually slept." He squeezes my shoulder before walking away towards his tent while I head to the edge of camp. The weariness of the days intensive training seems to fade away as I look up at the stars above me. The night never scared me as it did to the others in the camp. They claimed it brought the monsters out, the Craven, but the night always calms my wild thoughts. Calms the nightmares that take hold when I actually manage to sleep. Besides, the Craven aren't the only monsters here and I would much rather take my chances with them. Tonight, however, my thoughts travel to Hawke and the way his eyes burned with rage at the thought of my death. 'He only acts like a brother Kayla. He doesn't love you, even if he did he'd stop the second he found out what has been happening to you. Tainted goods.' I shake my head to clear my thoughts and focus back on the woods surrounding the camp. Hawke was right about one thing, this sword won't help against the Craven and I hope that they decide to stay in the woods tonight.