Chapter 6

"Archery Contest"

When Arianna had reached the archery field she was slightly astounded at the large crowd that was present. Taking a deep breath, praying that she had reached the archery contest in time, she started looking around for the main tent. Several people brushed roughly past her as she tried to make her way towards large yellow canopy where ran an extremely long line of men and lads of different ages, status and skills. Sighing with relief, Arianna pushed her way until she made it at the end of a line. Tipping her hunting cap a little so as to cast a shadow over her face thus making it impossible for anyone to recognize her feminine features. The line moved along in a slow pace and Arianna was growing more anxious with every step, her stomach whirled in a crazy way and her fingers felt cold and numb. Looking over to the right field, she watched the men prepare for the contest by either stringing their bows, practicing their aim with an arrow or just holding on to their bow to get accustomed to the weight and to know how much force should be applied when stringing an arrow. Arianna stood enthralled at the way these men handled their weapons with such ease and confidence and she wondered if her skill could somehow be equal with theirs.

"Next! Who's next? You there, lad! Come forward!"

"Oh…"

Arianna jerked when she realized it was her who was being called. She approached the table underneath the large yellow canopy where a large man was sitting on; his table was littered with a lot of parchment along with a few quills and inkbottles. Accompanying him was a tall thin man standing behind also armed with a quill and a parchment. The large man wore brightly well-made garments indicating that he was a man of high stature and wealth while the tall one behind wore clothes with a slightly shabbier appearance but not less festive. Both men had intelligent as well as jovial expressions but the lean man looked more modest.

"Name?" the large man asked bending down over a parchment.

"Aria- uh… I mean…" Arianna paused quickly, covering her mouth, realizing that she had almost said her full name, which could have terribly given her away.

The portly man looked up while the lanky one stared curiously at her.

Clearing her throat, Arianna stood up straighter and replied in a deeper voice, "Ari, milord. I am called Ari."

Nodding slightly, the man sitting down scratched his quill briskly unto the parchment.

"Age?"

"Fifteen years, milord."

"And where do you come from lad?" he asked looking back up at Arianna.

"From the fields milord. Just on the outskirts of Vasdenin."

The stout man looked confused and irritated.

The tall man leaned closer to his companion, "He means the Lilolya fields, Lord Freso. The ones just before Vasdenin's forest."

The chubby man nodded understandingly, as he continued making certain notes on his parchment, he asked, "So, you're a farmer's lad then?"

"Yes, milord." Arianna answered.

Lord Freso glanced shortly at Arianna's bow, "First time with the bow and arrows?"

Shaking her head, Arianna responded, " No milord. I have been practicing my skill with it since I was ten winters old."

The man nodded nonchalantly and continued writing.

The tall one held out his hand, "You're payment for the registration, boy."

Arianna smiled vaguely as she reached into her hunting vest, Thank the gods I found out where Madam Lilianne was keeping all her money, then she took out a small pouch heavy with silver coins, dropping it heftily into the lanky man's hand.

Nodding approvingly, the lanky man made some notes on his own parchment and dropped the small pouch in a large sack behind him, where apparently all the funds collected were in.

"That's all for you lad. Proceed to the starting point, now, go on." Lord Freso muttered waving his hand in an impatient manner, gesturing Arianna to leave.

Arianna turned right and was about to head over to where the other men were preparing for the contest when the large man called out, "Lad! Where do you think you're off to?"

Arianna whirled around with a confused expression, "Pardon me, milord?"

"You compete with the other young lads first before taking on the men, my lad. Now run along now." He replied with a soft chuckle.

"But, when do I get the chance to do contest with the other men, milord?" Arianna asked, straining to keep her voice low and boyish.

The man chuckled again, "When you've beaten all the other lads and make it to the top three contenders. Off with you now, you've lingered here long enough."

Arianna jogged briskly away from the canopy and headed towards the left field where she found herself among a number of boys around her age, some hardly bothering to warm up. Arianna calculated that there might be more or less twenty young men in the archery field. Then, she suddenly recognized a small group of boys nearby as the boys she had seen the day she arrived in town. She especially noted the extremely boastful boy who was still vivaciously bragging about his improved archery skill.

"Father says that if I shall emerge as the victor of this meager tournament, which you all know that I shall, he vowed to give me my own war stallion. There can be no doubt of my chance in winning this contest, I've practiced nearly five hours each day and due to my patience and hard endurance, it isn't impossible for me to win."

Arianna rolled her eyes and started looking for a vacant spot, because she had just arrived quite late, nearly all the starting spaces had been occupied, all except for one and that was right next to the proud, high and mighty archer.

Groaning disappointedly, she cursed under her breath as she headed towards the small group. Ignoring the ongoing ranting of the boy, who, she had heard from one of his companions, was named Uther.

Arianna drew her bow from her back and set down her quiver to inspect her arrows, a few of their feathers were a bit battered but after she had straightened them sharply with her fingers they returned to their original form. Then, Arianna began some warm up exercises such as stringing an arrow to her bow while she was also practicing the proper stance of an archer when about to release. While she was focusing the arrow to the target so she could get the familiar feel of the bow, she heard a tacky voice behind her.

"Well, well. See what the farm mouse has dragged in. A little peasant boy trying to aim his little bow and arrow at the big manly target! What do you think you're trying to accomplish here? A few more sacks of muck for your swine?"

She glanced sideways and saw that the group of young men beside her had finally turned their attention to someone else, unfortunately, that someone was her. Uther stood in front of them with his arms crossed smugly as he smirked at her while his friends laughed obnoxiously. Arianna ignored them and tried to focus her aim on the target. But, a few moments later when their laughter had died down, she felt a rough hand push her forcefully to the ground. Arianna stumbled but she kept her head down and tipped her hat lower.

"Answer me you peasant scum! Why aren't you in your filthy fields cleaning up after your cattle? Do you actually think you can compete against me? Pigs like you are best left slaughtered and boiled than to even dare be among us noblemen! Ha! You couldn't hit anything within two paces from your hideous nose!"

Still Arianna kept silent under his fiery glare.

I see he's finished boasting. Now, he just wants to look important by picking on a peasant like me.

His friends laughed all the more. Calmly, she stood up and faced him, her face was in the shadow of her hat but even Uther's companions had not failed to see the menacing glint in her light brown eyes.

"A bold thing to say for a boy who couldn't even take down a close ranged sparrow." She stated coldly in her feigned deep tone.

Before the young lad could retort, glorious trumpets blasted in a distance. All heads turned towards a small platform to their left where two trumpeters stood on each side of the tall thin man Arianna saw a while ago. The man held up his hands for silence.

"The Archery contest will now begin! Archers! Take your places immediately!" he bellowed.

All the young men hurried to the starting line and quickly strung an arrow to their bows. Arianna was already standing fully prepared to take the first shot.

"Now, before you young lads begin, I am obliged to explain the procedure of this contest, so listen closely and bear it submissively into your minds the words I am about to say."

He looked around thoughtfully before beginning, "This contest has a total of ten rounds. But more rounds will be added if conditions call for it. The target at the moment is approximately ten yards away. After each round, the target that you see before you will be taken five yards farther until there are only three contenders left. Only the holders of the arrows that hit the center mark will proceed to the following round. The three challengers will be generously rewarded and must return on the eve of the festival for the final Archery contest where they are to compete against the other victors in the hunter's group. The Final Archery contest is to be witnessed by the high council, the townsfolk of the seven Northern lands and the mystical monarchs from the East as well. So, young lads, may the grace of the gods bring luck to your arrows. Let the Archery contest begin!"

The trumpets sounded again and the spectators all around applauded with fervor. Another man stepped up to the platform.

"Archers! To the mark!"

Arianna took a deep breath and placed a foot firmly forward. She heard the soft snicker of Uther behind but she paid no heed to it.

"Take your aim!"

Her heart thundered in her chest and her hands quivered with excitement as she held up her bow and took careful aim at the bull's eye. Steadying her arms, she stretched the string as far as she could, checking the force and tension.

After what seemed like an eternity, the announcer commanded,

"Fire!"

Arianna released and as her bow sang, so did the others and there was a tremendous whoosh of arrows flying through the air, and after a second there came the succeeding thud of the arrows on the round target. The spectators all around hollered with approval and there was a loud sound of applause. Only fifteen had made their arrows straight to the bull's eye. As some of the archers groaned and muttered furiously at their missed shot, Arianna let down her bow and sighed in relief, she hadn't lost her touch. She smiled proudly as she saw her green tipped feathered arrow inside the deep red circle. But her smile quickly vanished when she discerned Uther slipping another arrow in his bow.

He frowned as well when he saw that the peasant hadn't moved away from the line signifying that he had passed the first round. Two of his friends had already been eliminated and he didn't want to be left standing beside this field boy.

Arianna disregarded him for a moment, she still had nine more rounds to face and this was not a time to be distracted from her target. She took another deep breath as she watched two men move the large black and red target farther away. Calming herself, she took another arrow out of her quiver, performed the positioned stance and waited for the barker's command.

"To the mark! Aim and… Fire!"

Another wave of arrows surged by and this time only twelve arrows had found their mark. Arianna breathed slowly and cursed under her breath, Uther's arrow had nearly knocked hers out of range in midair, though, praise the gods, it hadn't.

"Ha! Well, it seems this little peasant mouse has got a fight in him after all," Uther sneered and Arianna glanced sideways at him, "But, mark me you piece of vermin, you won't last till the last round."

"We shall see to that soon enough." Arianna replied and Uther stood agape at his opponent's cool reply.

Soon, as a dozen more arrows were released and the mark moved farther and farther away, Arianna felt the rounds pass by her in a foggy daze, until finally, only five young archers, two of them were Uther and Arianna, were left on the Archery field.

Just then, the thin man that announced the prospects of the contest earlier was back atop the platform. Everyone looked to him in shock and curiosity.

"For a surprise treat, the council has added a new obstacle to the final round. To achieve victory, the remaining archers must be able to land their arrows within the red target at a distance of fifty yards… blindfolded."

Loud gasps and wide eyes transpired all about at the final word of the lanky man. Arianna felt her jaw drop slightly and her blood grow cold at this proclamation.

"Ha! Let's see you achieve this task, blind mouse!" she heard Uther hiss.

The loud buzzing of the spectators and the archers ceased as the lanky man raised his hands high with utmost authority.

"Silence! Let the contest recommence!"

There seemed to be a strange thick tension in the air on this exhilarating final round as strips of cloth were handed to each of the archers, and the roaring crowd that looked on was now as silent as a grave. The late afternoon sun was bearing down on the five young archers as they slipped their last arrow into their bows after tying their blindfolds on their brow.

A bead of sweat trickled down Arianna's brow, she absently wiped it away and she shaded her eyes from the glare of the sun and squinted at the target that was now fifty yards away. From what Arianna could recall, the farthest target she had ever hit in her life was exactly fifty yards away and at that time both her eyes were open in broad daylight her arrow had barely reached the target.

But that won't happen today, Arianna thought to herself determinedly.

Even Uther was silent and focused seriously on the distant target. His arm trembling slightly as he tightly gripped his bow. The three other archers were displaying signs of extreme apprehension as well. Arianna then turned her eyes to the announcer who seemed to be enjoying the silent pangs of suspense and excitement in the atmosphere.

"Blindfolds on!"

Arianna took a final glance at the secluded target before pulling down her blindfold and shrouding her eyes in darkness.

"Take your aim!"

The young men and Arianna lifted their bows but instead of aiming for the faraway target they all focused the tip of their arrows to the sky. Arianna quivered for an instant but immediately regained her steady hand. Her mind mentally calculating, estimating… remembering the direction her arrow would take, the force to be released through it and the accuracy of it. The crowd watched with bated breath as the blind archers stood poised and ready for the final release.

Gods, oh gods, give me the sight to see the destination of my goal. Guide my arm, my aim, and my arrow…

"Be prepared…"

By the almighty grace of Kannaham, I beg you to show me the light…

Arianna strained to hear the final command to unleash her arrow… then she felt herself giving a command in her mind,

Show me the light NOW!

At that moment, Arianna felt a strange presence empower her body and instantly her sight was restored to her. Though her eyes were behind the thick cloth of the blindfold, she could visibly see the arrow before her and the target faraway. She saw everything and more through the hazy purplish environment. She heard a distant murmuring of a strange voice and a low growl. But before Arianna could recover or understand the shock of her perplexing and bizarre condition, the announcer bellowed.

"FIRE!"

That single word echoed through the entire field and it rang in Arianna's ears as she released and watched the flight of all five arrows. Everyone heard the faint whoosh and the dull thud of the arrows on the thick wood of the target circle. Arianna snatched the blindfold from her eyes to see if her aim was true. She was astonished when her purplish vision and the unusual noises vanished when the blindfold was taken off leaving her sight as normal as before.

She took a momentary look at Uther who also had his own blindfold in his hand. His gaze was directed forward. Since the target was already too far for the normal eye to see which arrows were which. A runner was sent to the circle to shout out the color of the arrows in the circle.

Arianna stared anxiously after him as well. The runner turned around to face the crowd and the archers.

"There are three arrows in the red circle of the target!" he proclaimed in sheer disbelief.

The crowd cheered and begged to know which arrows had made it.

"The arrows are… The red arrow of Efro from Gnath…"

The young boy on Arianna's right jumped for joy and shouted with glee as the crowd applauded wildly.

"Black arrow of Uther from Val Hall…"

Uther smiled victoriously, "Time to say farewell, peasant mouse!"

"Do not be so confident. There is still one arrow left." Another boy nearby stated as he clutched his own blindfold.

Arianna held her breath and felt as if there could be a possibility that Uther was right, that amid her strange experience, her effort and her hopes were in vain.

"And, finally… by the gods! This arrow hit the dead center of the target! The last arrow is…"

Oh gods, please…

"The Green feathered arrow of Ari from the Lilolya fields!"

Arianna stood rigid with shock as the deafening yells of the large crowd pouring out from the sidelines filled her ears. Suddenly, she felt herself being pulled roughly in to the arms and hands of countless strangers who were glowing joyously while they patted Arianna's back and tried to ruffle her head. Arianna smiled surprisingly and awkwardly trying to keep her hat on and head down whilst people offered many compliments and praise to her skill and talent. After a few moments, Arianna nodded to them in gratitude and forced her way out of the crowd. When she was finally able to catch her breath, she watched as the crowd went to congratulate the other winners and later on dispersed into small groups chattering animatedly about the contest. It was a miracle they didn't stop to recognize that she wasn't a brilliant young lad instead she was just an ordinary farm lass engaging in taboo activities.

Arianna's gaze wandered back to the target, and there situated in the heart of the target was her own green-feathered arrow. The after effects of the contest finally took over her and she was utterly overwhelmed by it. Beaming proudly, she shouldered her empty quiver and her bow.

Now, all I need to worry about is the second Archery contest tomorrow night.

Arianna had never tried shooting a target in the darkness of the night but then again if she could shoot an arrow straight to its target blindfolded then maybe the archery contest the following night wouldn't be that difficult.

Thinking about it all, she remembered her peculiar vision. What had come over her?

Had I cheated? She asked herself worriedly.

But it couldn't be, I did have that blindfold on me, didn't I? Unless, I did invoke a god within me… Arianna shook her head; it was crazy to think that she had for a moment been like a god since she wasn't exactly pious or a very religious person. She just treated the gods with utmost respect like everyone did, nothing more and nothing less. Yet, she did feel like a god. The thought of it sent shivers down her spine and she struggled to dismiss it from her thoughts.

Just then, she felt a tinge of heat on her forearm and when she held up her arm she gasped with horror. There it was again, the glowing red star, exactly as she saw it less than a week ago except with less pain. Then, just as it did before, it vanished as quickly as it came. Arianna wasn't too taken aback by it this time; she just stood there in sheer confusion

What could all this mean? If only grandfather were here…

Looking up, most of the crowd had gone and only a few were left on the archery field. She spotted Uther laughing aloud while a large man clothed in black and silver stood behind him, glowing with pride. An emaciated looking woman dressed elegantly in lavender silk was also smiling though a little weakly as she listened patiently to Uther's narcissistic bragging.

Though normally Arianna would have turned away and ignored him, she found herself staring longingly at him. Despite the fact that Uther was a conceited, high and mighty brat, at least he had parents to support and grant his every desire, to listen to all his ideas, to celebrate his victories, to comfort him, to love him… whereas she had no one, not even her grandfather at this crucial stage of her life. She envied him for that.

Uther caught Arianna's gaze and as Arianna glanced quickly away, he approached her haughtily, "Well done peasant. Your unfortunate luck has increased your rank from a peasant mouse to a peasant rat."

Arianna lowered her head in a mocking bow, "Congratulations to you as well, Uther of Val Hall."

Uther's mouth tightened with anger, "You may have won the contest for now, peasant boy, but the challenge that you will soon face will surely make one and all certify who the rightful victor is. That victor will be me."

"I also wish you the very best of luck tomorrow night, my friend." Arianna answered sarcastically.

Uther brushed past her roughly with a deep frown on his face but just as he did Arianna said aloud in her deep tone, "As for the deciding of the victor, let me help you recall what I had said earlier."

Turning his head, he snapped, "And what was that?"

Smirking slightly, Arianna replied, "We shall see to that soon enough."

With an irritated huff, Uther walked away leaving Arianna smiling satisfactorily.

The sun had completely set and the last of its rays were fading beyond the horizon, the dark blue blanket of night was slowly covering the sky and a handful of stars were already twinkling above.

Out of the blue, Arianna felt a warm hand on her shoulder, turning around she came face to face with Lord Freso.

"Well done lad, that was an extraordinary shot you made back there. Not even the men were able to directly hit the center of the target. The gods must really favor you." Said the large lord.

"Thank you milord. You are very kind." Arianna answered.

The man looked around, "No one here to witness your amazing accomplishment lad?"

Arianna shook her head slowly, "No milord, it is only I."

He nodded, "I see. An orphan, are you?"

Arianna nodded.

"Well, they say the gods always favor the least among all of us and I can see why they would."

Arianna looked up curiously at this man who seemed particularly benevolent with her. Lord Freso seemed to understand that certain look.

"Ah, I see what you must be thinking. Why should a big wealthy man like me pay attention to a poor peasant lad such as yourself? Well, lad, here's the truth. I know what it's like to be alone like this. I, too, was an orphan at an early age. Had to live according to my instincts, I did. Now, see where I am now."

Arianna said nothing and Lord Freso placed both his hands on Arianna's shoulders and looked at her closely. Arianna's heart pounded wildly in her, fearing that his close gaze on her might give out her true identity. But instead he continued.

"What I'm trying to say lad is you got a lot of potential and a great skill. Use that to your advantage and you'll someday be as successful as I am. Don't waste it lad. Also, I have a little something to give you."

From inside his coat, he took out a small pouch that was heavy with coins. Arianna's eyes widened and she stepped back.

"But my lord, I can't possibly—I couldn't… it's—your…" Arianna stammered in protest.

"Thirty gold pieces." Lord Freso announced and without warning, he took Arianna's hand and enclosed the pouch into it. Before Arianna could reply, the large man stated seriously, "Take it Ari, my lad. Don't be frightened. Think of it as a gift…"

"A gift I have to refuse to take, my lord." Arianna said.

"Then as a prize then. A prize that you've earned well because you deserve it, you are worthy of it."

Arianna's eyes shimmered in the starlight, "Thank you, milord."

Lord Freso smiled warmly, "The least I can do for a poor lad like you Ari. So, I propose you get a good meal, a good night's sleep and tomorrow, if the gods allow it, you might just come out the greatest of all archers in Vasdenin. Farewell, Ari of Lilolya, may the gods guide and watch over you tonight. Have a pleasant night."

"And you too my lord." Arianna replied hoarsely as she watched the large lord walk away leaving her still standing with the bag of money clutched in the palm of her hand.

Thirty gold pieces Arianna thought happily as she held the bag May the gods bless that man!

Then, still smiling merrily, she wandered to the road where lanterns and candles were starting to light up the dark lane. Looking left and right, Arianna wondered if she should head back to Madam Lilianne. Then, shaking her head she laughed. She wasn't that crazy to do something like that. Now… where was that large tavern?

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