The Long Way Back
Chapter 4
An Unexpected Adventure
It took Henry two days to get used to pulling back the string on a bow. After two full days of muscle aches, back pain, shoulders throbbing, and fingers bleeding and turning raw, he finally managed to get somewhat used to the draw weight of Tobin's bow. He was by no means a full-fledged archer yet, but it was progress. Enough progress for Tobin to finally decide to test his metal.
"Nock the arrow," Tobin instructed.
For a split second, Henry thought Tobin meant "knock" the arrow. He managed to catch himself before he tapped his knuckles against the shaft, realizing that Tobin meant stick the arrow to the string.
A small notch in the back of the arrow allowed it to stay against the string. Henry placed the arrow and drew in a deep breath. About thirty yards away stood Ram Village's tower. At the base of the tower sat a small, round target made of straw. A makeshift target was painted on it, giving both Henry and Tobin something to aim at when they practiced.
This would be the first time Henry fired an arrow in his entire life. The first time he would pull back the string with an actual projectile ready to sail through the air.
Don't embarrass yourself, Henry. He blew out a long breath. Just pull back, aim, and fire on command.
"Draw," Tobin nodded.
Henry sucked in a deep breath and pulled on the string. Turns out, adding an arrow to the equation made pulling back the string even more difficult. Now he had to worry about keeping an arrow steady and on target along with holding an extremely heavy string in place. His muscles were focused on two things at once, and both were different tasks. The former required brute force strength while the latter required a level of dexterity Henry was not prepared for.
He gritted his teeth, determined not to fail. Both eyes focused on the target downrange. His left eye closed, and his tongue stuck out of the corner of his mouth as he aimed. Soreness already erupted in his arm, shoulders, and back as he held the string and arrow back, at the ready. He could feel his entire right arm trembling the longer time dragged on.
Come on Tobin, tell me to fire already!
After several agonizing seconds, Tobin folded his arms.
"Loose!"
Henry blinked. "Huh?"
His hand slipped. The string snapped forward with a sharp twang. Instead of sailing towards the target, the arrow wobbled from the string and sank into the earth a couple of yards from Henry.
A despondent sigh left Henry's lips. Of course… I embarrassed myself.
Tobin's chuckling didn't help much either. The yellow-clad guy clapped a hand against Henry's shoulder as he laughed.
"It happens. Don't be too hard on yourself." When Henry remained sullen, Tobin cracked a grin and jabbed his arm with his elbow. "At least you didn't shoot one of your siblings."
Henry's eyes widened. "You did what!?"
Now Tobin threw his head back, holding his sides as he laughed some more. After wiping a tear from his eye, his laughter fell to soft chuckles. Then, he waved off Henry's horrified concern.
"Don't worry, that didn't happen. But the arrow did come a couple of inches from nailing my little brother square in the shoulder when I first started learning. So, don't be so upset with yourself. A little practice and you'll hit the target in no time."
Henry grimaced. He didn't feel very convinced, even though Tobin was doing his best to cheer him up. Physical activities never came naturally to him. Still, Tobin wasn't wrong. All he needed was practice. Lots, and lots, of practice.
A sputtering breath slipped from Henry's lips. This is going to take longer than I thought.
He pursed his lips, grabbed another arrow, and waited for Tobin's command. Tobin smiled and folded his arms. Right as Tobin was about to give him the order to nock, Henry heard a commotion coming from the gate area.
Alm, up in the watchtower, had spotted something, or someone, approaching. While Henry did not think such a thing was a big deal, Tobin seemed surprised.
"What's going on?" Tobin muttered, turning and walking away to the gate without a word to Henry.
"H-hey!" Henry looked at the arrow resting against the bowstring. "Am I practicing on my own or… argh! To hell with it!"
He yanked the arrow from the string and held it, trying to figure out where to put it. He didn't have the quiver; Tobin did. He doubted he should be holding onto the arrow as he walked around. What if he tripped? It's not like he could hold the arrow like scissors. The arrowhead would easily cut into his palm if he did that.
Do I stick in the ground or… Henry's thoughts trailed off as he glanced at the target one more time. Nowhere else, I guess.
A deep breath rushed in through his nose, and out of his lungs. Henry rolled his shoulders, stretching the sore muscles, before shaking his arms and taking aim. He nocked the arrow, as Tobin taught him, then closed one eye, focusing all his attention on the red bullseye a few yards away. The muscles in his back and shoulders pulsed and quivered from strain. Sweat beaded along his forehead, dripping down the bridge of his nose as he held his breath.
He exhaled, and let go of the arrow.
The string shot forward with a sharp thwack, smacking against the leather straps wrapped around Henry's forearm and almost causing him to drop his bow. The arrow, meanwhile, soared; streaking through the air before slamming into a post in the tower to the right of the target.
Henry's jaw fell open. "I did it?" He whipped his head back and forth. "Tell me someone saw that!"
No one was looking at him. All of the villagers were busy doing their daily work or going to the gate to see what was going on there. No one saw his remarkable achievement. Well… remarkable for him.
Henry shook his head, but the smile on his face refused to fall away. Quietly, he slung the bow over his shoulder and glanced down the make-shift shooting range at the target and the arrow embedded in the wood beside it.
"Next step," He pointed at the target. "The bullseye."
He lowered his arm, proud of what he had accomplished, and somehow looking forward to completing the next challenge. While he didn't enjoy the physical exertion, at first, Henry had to admit that accomplishing something as simple as firing an arrow felt thrilling. It took everything in him not to run around the entire village jabbering about how he actually managed to shoot the arrow.
He doubted anyone would care, and he didn't feel like drawing that kind of attention. Besides, something else occupied the village's attention at the gate. Now, Henry was curious.
What's going on over there?
Henry briefly worried that bandits were at the Village's gates again, and that was what was causing all of the commotion. Why else would Alm utter a cry of alarm? The thought of barbarians at the gates made Henry's stomach churn. If there were enemies, what could he do to help? He couldn't even fire one arrow in a straight line.
When he arrived at the gate, there were, thankfully, no bandits, but everyone looked tense. Tobin and Gray stood near the village entrance, both of them eyeing Alm, who stood just beyond the gate's shadow. In front of Alm stood a younger man with short brown hair and wearing red, plate armor. No one else was there.
So why does everyone look so anxious?
Henry drew alongside Tobin. "What's going on?"
Tobin shrugged. "I'm not sure, but a Knight of Zofia is here."
Henry waited for Tobin to continue. It felt like there should be a follow-up to that, especially with how anxious and amazed Tobin looked. On the one hand, his friend appeared completely enthralled by the young knight standing in Ram Village's shadow, speaking in hushed tones with Alm. On the other hand, Tobin also looked nervous.
"What does that mean exactly?"
Tobin blinked. "Hm? Oh, right, you're not from around here. The Knights of Zofia serve King Lima IV at Castle Zofia. They're supposed to be the most skilled, gallant warriors in the land."
Henry arched an eyebrow. "Supposed to be?"
For the first time, Henry noticed Gray standing beside Tobin. The green-clad boy snorted and folded his arms. "Let's just say we ran into one a few years back. Wasn't a good experience and I would not recommend it." Both Tobin and Gray glanced at Alm, who stood near Kliff and Faye. Henry followed their gazes. "That's probably why Alm's looking so tense too."
Henry furrowed his brow. Something bad happened a few years ago, and it put all of his new friends on edge. Why? The red-armored knight did not appear hostile. Yet, everyone was looking at him with intense suspicion.
For the first few moments of the conversation, Alm looked stiff, with one hand resting on his sword's pommel. But, after exchanging some quiet words with the younger knight, Alm relaxed and turned around.
The group parted as Alm strode into the village with the knight in tow. The knight gave Henry and the others a small nod of respect and a kind smile before following Sir Mycen to his home. Alm didn't say a word. He didn't even acknowledge Henry and the others were even there.
The silence and the dour expression on Alm's face caused both Gray and Tobin to frown.
With a huff, Gray folded his arms. "Well, that was a letdown."
Tobin gave him an aghast look. "Were you expecting something?"
Gray shrugged. "I dunno. Last time we met a Knight of Zofia, it ended with Sir Mycen coming out of the village kicking the bastard's ass. Not gonna lie: that was pretty neat to see."
Kliff and Faye must've overheard Gray talking, because they wandered over as well, with Faye looking particularly worried as she glanced at Gray.
"Are you seriously wanting to see violence, Gray?" Faye asked.
"Did I say that?" Gray remarked.
"Relax everyone," Kliff interjected, raising his hands in an attempt to cool everyone down. "Alm would not allow anyone into the village that he thought was a threat." He glanced to Sir Mycen's house, brow furrowed as his gaze filled with determination. "I'm going to go find out what is going on. You all wait here."
"We can't go with you?" Tobin asked, one hand on his hip.
Kliff paused a couple of steps away. "With the look that was in Alm's eyes, not really. You know that. Give me a few minutes. I'll hopefully return with some news."
With that, Kliff marched to Sir Mycen's house, leaving Henry and the others standing on pins and needles, unsure of what to do. When he was gone, Tobin glanced at Kliff.
"You got here first with Alm. What'd that knight have to say?"
Gray shrugged. "Not much. He only said he needed to speak with Sir Mycen urgently. So, Faye went to get him while Alm and I stayed at the gate and kept silent company with our visitor."
"Yeah, he didn't say much," Faye spoke up, her voice quiet as she glanced anxiously at Sir Mycen's house. "He did say his name though. Lukas- er- Sir Lukas; yeah, that was his name."
"Looked awfully young for a full-fledged knight, right?" Tobin remarked.
Gray shrugged. "Maybe he's just that good?"
Henry flicked his eyes back and forth between all of them, unsure of what to think or say about the entire situation. Obviously, Ram Village did not get many visitors, otherwise, the arrival of a Knight would not be such a big deal. But, that wasn't the only thing that stuck out to Henry.
An actual Knight showed up at the village's gate.
That meant this strange society was not restricted to Ram Village and wherever Castle Zofia was. It meant this civilization expanded far and wide, perhaps as big as an entire state back home. Worse yet, maybe it was as large as several states, or countries.
Henry swallowed hard. How difficult is it going to be to get home now?
Tobin nudged Henry's arm. "Come on. Let's keep practicing. Gotta keep busy somehow, right?"
"R-right," Henry replied.
He glanced at the road leading out of Ram village one more time, more uncertainty and worry filling him. The longer he stayed here, the more questions he had, and the fewer answers he received. Maybe he didn't understand most of the answers. Regardless, he did not like the few he could comprehend, and they all left an unsettling feeling in his gut.
For some reason, a nagging thought starting to surface in his mind.
Is there even a way for me to get home?
There was only one way to find out. If Sir Lukas really came from Castle Zofia, then maybe he would know about Charlotte. Maybe he knew the way home.
But, all Henry could do now was practice with his bow. When the knight emerged from Sir Mycen's house, he'd figure out a way to pull Sir Lukas to the side and ask him. And, he could not be afraid to ask.
What's the worst thing he could say? Henry grasped Tobin's bow and got ready to do target practice again. Sorry, but I've never heard of Charlotte?
That caused Henry's breath to hitch. What if Sir Lukas also didn't know about Charlotte? What then?
"Nock," Tobin ordered.
Henry grabbed an arrow and placed it against the string.
That was indeed the worst-case scenario for Henry: Sir Lukas not knowing anything about Charlotte. Then what would he do?
"Draw."
Henry pulled back on the string.
He guessed he could ask Sir Lukas if he could travel with the knight back to Castle Zofia. Sir Mycen did say if anywhere had information on a way home, that would be the place to find it. It was the capital of this nation, Zofia, so it would have a library at the very least. There had to be some sort of information about Charlotte somewhere.
"Loose!"
Henry let the arrow fly. It soared and slammed into the edge of the target with a loud thunk. For a split second, a triumphant smile flickered on his lips. He glanced at Tobin, who was smiling as he looked at the arrow shivering in the target.
Tobin smacked a hand against Henry's shoulder. "We'll make an archer out of you yet. Let's go again."
Henry's smile wavered. Him… an archer? Was that a good thing?
He hoped he wouldn't be here long enough to find out. Still, Tobin wasn't wrong earlier. He needed something to do while they all waited on Alm, Sir Mycen, and Sir Lukas. So, Henry drew in a deep breath, heard Tobin's commands, and prepared to fire again.
"So, what do you think is going on?" Gray asked Tobin as he watched Henry practice his archery.
Tobin snorted. "Does it look like I'd know? We're villagers in Ram, Gray. Nothing ever gets out here fast, certainly not anything significant. I mean, you'd have to practically watch off the edge of the map to get here."
Gray bobbed his head as Henry nocked another arrow. Both of them thought he was so focused on his training that he wasn't listening, but in reality, he was paying more attention to them than what he was shooting at. So far, he hadn't learned more than he already knew. Ram was in the middle of nowhere, and no one knew why that knight had shown up today.
"What about you Faye? What do you think is going on?" Gray asked Faye, who sat on a log near them, hands folded in her lap as she gave Sir Mycen's house nervous glances.
"Hm?" Faye blinked. "O-oh, um, I don't know."
"Of course," Gray sighed. He turned his gaze to Kliff, who returned a few minutes earlier in silence. "You sure you didn't overhear anything?
"Would you relax," Tobin said. "For all we know, Sir Lukas is here to make sure we pay our taxes to the crown or something stupid like that."
Gray gave him a derisive snort. "I doubt they'd send a full-blown knight, on his own, for that."
With a sigh, Henry loosed his arrow and watched it sail just wide of the target. A frown creased his lips. He was still paying too much attention to the others. Although, from what he heard, he agreed with Gray. While he hoped Tobin was right, and the knight's visit was simply an innocuous occurrence, he had a gut feeling Gray's anxiety was true.
Right as Henry nocked another arrow, Sir Lukas emerged from the house, his head bowed and a downcast expression on his face. Henry froze, an arrow on the bowstring. The others rose to their feet. No one else came out after him. He shut the door with a soft click, thinned his lips, and shook his head before standing tall and marching to the village gate.
He passed by Henry and the others in silence, eyes focused on the road ahead of him. Henry's gaze followed him.
Like Gray said earlier, the knight was very young; not much older than either Gray or Tobin now that Henry got a good look at him. Short, brown hair crowned his pale head. He wasn't a heavy-set man, or particularly muscular like Sir Mycen, but he carried himself well and did not look weighed down by his plate armor in the slightest. Despite the disappointment evident on his face, he marched with powerful strides.
For a second, Sir Lukas paused beside Henry, Tobin, Gray, Kliff, and Faye. Henry's throat bobbed as he prepared himself to ask Sir Lukas to take him with to Castle Zofia. Right as he was about to finally speak up, Tobin cleared his throat.
"Good Sir, if I may be so bold to ask," Tobin said, respect lacing his voice. "What brought you to our village? It's not like this is on any common road."
Sir Lukas turned to face Tobin, a sad smile on his lips. "I came as a representative of the Deliverance, with an urgent request for Sir Mycen."
Gray tilted his head. "The Deliverance?"
Henry's mouth closed. It suddenly did not sound like Sir Lukas represented Castle Zofia. Not unless the Deliverance was some fancy faction within the realm's capital. His gut churned as a sinking feeling settled into it. Was he about to lose his chance to get home?
"Ah, yes," Sir Lukas sighed. It wasn't an annoyed sigh, but instead a weary one. "I forgot that this village has not heard yet. Since I already spoke with Sir Mycen, I suppose it wouldn't be wrong of me to give you news. Although, I'm afraid it is quite dire news."
"Dire?" Faye gulped.
"Indeed. For you see," Sir Lukas drew in a deep breath, "King Lima IV is dead."
Shock shot through Tobin, Gray, and Faye. Even Kliff's aloof expression morphed, his brow rising and his mouth falling open a little.
"What do you mean?" Tobin pressed. "What happened?"
Gray quickly cut into the conversation. "How'd he die? Did he simply croak or-"
"If only it were so," Sir Lukas lamented, "but the fell news does not end there. King Lima was assassinated by Chancellor Desaix and those loyal to him. The Chancellor has also sold out our land to the Rigellian Empire. Already, soldiers from Rigel are moving through the northernmost reaches of Zofia. Sir Clive has formed a resistance against Desaix and the Rigellians. We call ourselves: the Deliverance."
Tobin swallowed hard, one hand rubbing his brow as he reeled from the news. "This is… wow…"
"An understandable reaction," Sir Lukas agreed. "I felt much the same when I learned about what happened."
"So why come here?" Kliff asked, unfolding his arms as he stepped forward. "Were you just going to let us know this all happened then leave?"
"He came to ask for my Grandfather's help."
Henry jumped when he heard Alm's stern voice shoot through the air. With powerful strides, Alm marched away from Sir Mycen's house and moved to Tobin and Gray's side. His jaw was set tight, as if he was angry, righteously so. One hand grasped the grip of his sheathed sword. Meanwhile, Henry also noticed the burlap pack strapped to Alm's back.
"He did?" Gray remarked.
"Alm," Faye pointed at the bag, "What is that?"
Alm uttered a heavy breath. "My grandfather refused. He said this war was none of his concern." Alm's grip tightened around his sword, the leather in his gloves groaning as he squeezed. "Innocents are dying, and our land stands on the brink of collapse. I refuse to stay here and do nothing. Grandfather may be content with that, but I am not." He turned to Sir Lukas. "Allow me to go with you, in my Grandfather's stead."
"Wait, what!?" Gray exclaimed.
"Alm!" Faye cried.
"By the Earth mother…" Tobin muttered.
Kliff remained quiet, and Henry was unsure of what to do. His throat bobbed as even more tension filled his gut. This land he was in was at war with another country he never heard of before. That would not help him get home. It might actually hinder him.
But, staying here is getting me nowhere too.
Sir Lukas appeared taken aback by Alm's request. "I- well, that is generous and courageous, Alm. But-"
"My grandfather has taught me everything he knows about the blade," Alm interrupted. "I've fought off bandits before. How else has this village remained this way during the drought? I can fight. I will fight. If you will not take me, then I will simply follow you until I find someone who will."
"Are you sure about this Alm?" Tobin asked, earning a sharp glare from his friend.
Sir Lukas closed his eyes and thought for a moment. Then he nodded, and a gentle smile formed on his lips. "Perhaps this trip will bear fruit after all. Very well, Alm. You are welcome to join the Deliverance. I'm sure Sir Clive will welcome you with open arms as well."
Some of Alm's anger and frustration ebbed away, replaced with determination and a ghost of a smile. He stepped forward to stand beside Sir Lukas. Once he reached Sir Lukas's side, Henry finally worked up the nerve to speak.
"Uh, um, excuse me," He began, barely able to stammer out anything. Both Sir Lukas and Alm glanced at him. "Would, um, would the Deliverance know anything about my home, and how to get back there?"
"Home?" Sir Lukas remarked.
"He's a stranger that got lost," Alm explained. "But, he's been a good worker, and he's not a bad shot even if he's a beginner."
Sir Lukas raised his chin as he regarded Henry. "An archer then?"
Henry grimaced. "Sort of? I've just started learning. B-but, I'm more than willing to help on the road. You need firewood? I'm your guy. I just need to go somewhere that has lots of information about places beyond Zofia."
Sir Lukas furrowed his brow as he remained quiet a moment longer. He then drew in a breath and folded his hands behind him.
"Are you prepared for what joining the Deliverance means, Mister…"
"Henry," Henry replied.
"Henry," Sir Lukas reiterated. "Would you be prepared to join us in battle? If information is what you seek, the Deliverance can assist. But, Castle Zofia would have what you are looking for, and we must retake it."
Henry closed his eyes. Of course, in order to get something he needed to give something. He didn't have any money, and he definitely didn't have any skills that he was aware of which could help immediately and keep him away from fighting. If all he could offer was what meager skills with a bow he had, then that is what he had to do.
All to get home. He drew in a deep breath. Let's get home.
"Yeah," Henry nodded. "I can do that."
Tobin, Gray, Alm, Kliff, and Faye all gave him stunned looks. Sir Lukas nodded, smiling at Henry as well.
"Then you are welcome to travel with me, Henry."
"Now hold on a moment," Gray chuckled, stepping forward as he raised his hands. "If Henry, noodle-arms, is brave enough to go on this crazy adventure, then so am I." He flashed Alm a toothy grin when Alm opened his mouth to protest. "Ya didn't think you'd get away from me that easy, did ya?"
"Us," Tobin corrected, stepping forward. "You didn't think you'd get away from us that easy."
"Tobin," Alm said, "Your mother and siblings-"
"Will be fine," Tobin interrupted. "I'll just… I'll just go tell them what's happening before we leave, if you don't mind?"
Sir Lukas shook his head. "Not at all. Although, I do suggest you make it quick. We must leave before dark and make as good of time as we can. The Deliverance cannot wait forever."
Tobin nodded, then rushed away to his home. Once he was gone, Faye tiptoed her way to Alm's side.
"I'm going too," she said.
Now Alm's eyes widened. "F-Faye, but you-"
"I can fight too," Faye replied, her mousy tone filling with some determination. "I may not be as good as you, Tobin, or Gray, but I'm capable. I'll help."
A lazy sigh emanated from Kliff next. Henry glanced at him at that same time as Alm. The blonde-haired boy nodded as he closed his eyes.
"I'd hate to be the odd one out, I guess. Count me in, Alm."
Alm looked at all of them, stunned. A laugh of disbelief bubbled from his lips, and he gave all of them a smile.
"To have such loyal friends…" He shook his head then glanced at Sir Lukas. "I guess in your search for one person, you received six."
"I did, and that is more than enough," Sir Lukas said. Tobin returned no sooner than he said that, a bag on his back and a sword on his hip. "Now that everyone is here, we must go."
"Wait, Alm," Tobin began, "shouldn't you say goodbye to your grandfather?"
Alm hesitated behind Sir Lukas as they moved towards the village gate. For a split second, conflict flashed over Alm. One foot pivoted to turn back to the shack, only to freeze in place. A resolute expression formed on the green-haired boy's face. He rolled his shoulders back, stood tall, and exhaled.
"No need. I'll be back to say hello to him one day, an accomplished knight as well." Alm said.
"That's the spirit!" Gray chirped, smacked Alm's shoulder with his hand. "Let's get going, before we lose Sir Lukas."
They all passed through the gate, marching after the Zofian Knight out of Ram Village. As they walked, Henry could hardly believe it.
Just a few days ago, this forest seemed far too dangerous. This was the very spot where those bandits almost killed him. If not for Alm's intervention, he would never have gotten this chance to find a way home. At the same time, that confrontation sat heavily in his mind as he marched quietly after the others.
He was useless during that fight. How useful was he going to be during a war?
There was only one way to find out. If the Deliverance had the information he sought, then he would get better at archery to get it, even if he didn't want to. So, Henry slung Tobin's bow over his shoulder, cast one last glance back at peaceful Ram village, then marched after Alm and the others, ready for the next step on the long way back to Charlotte.
And chapter! Here we go! We're getting to the meat of the story now, and I'm excited for the ride that is coming! Once again, thank you to Aidanator800 for commissioning this story! I'm enjoying writing it a lot.
Let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed it! Have a nice day!
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