Ryuugazaki: I didn't think I'd get past the introductory chapter, to be honest.
Chapter One: Bows and Arrows
(Wednesday, 4 October 1769 – Kanatahseton, Mohawk Valley, New York, British America)
Mother is like her old self again. She runs, she climbs, she jumps - all like she used to do before our village was attacked. The only thing about it is that she has a limp in her leg now. She tries not to let it bother her, but I can tell that it does.
"Ratonhnhaké:ton, where are you going?" Mother asked as I put on my moccasins.
"I'm going to teach Kanen'to:kon how to climb today. Remember Oia:ner said she would answer my questions today." Mother nodded. "May I go?"
"Not before I give you something." Mother limped to our section of the long house and gave me a bow and quiver. She wants me to practice my archery again. "Before you go, you must practice." Mother and I went to the outside of the 'to:kon was there waiting.
"Ratonhnhaké:ton, where are you going?"
"Mother wants me to sharpen my archery skills. I will return soon." Kanen'to:kon nodded and sat against the wall. Mother and I walked towards the valley. She set up the markers.
"Do you remember how to focus?" I nodded. "Then do so. Steady your breathing." I exhaled sharply and did as she asked. "Focus." I did so. "Release." I let go of my arrow and I hit the outside of the centre. "Again." I repeated this many times.
"Mother, noon is coming. I must assist Kanen'to:kon." Mother nodded.
"You may go, but put your bow and quiver away." Mother dismissed me, and I packed up my bow and quiver. Then I escorted her back to the long house. "Ratonhnhaké:ton, do not venture beyond the valley." I nodded. "I mean it, Ratonhnhaké:ton. Do not." I heeded my mother's command, and met with Kanen'to:kon as I agreed to do.
"Hello again, brother." I patted his back. "Why did Kaniehti:io want you to practice?"
"She did not say. She just wanted me to." We were still very close to the village.
"Ratonhnhaké:ton, aren't you going to teach me how to climb today?" I nodded.
"Then we shall begin."
