Jacob stood in a clearing behind David's cabin, shooting arrows at various targets. He always shot at a different target, but never in the same pattern. David had told him it was so he would get used to shooting at various distances and angles. Jacob had started like any apprentice Ranger except he already knew how to shoot a bow correctly. This only gave him a small head start.
He decided to take a break since he had been working since lunch. He walked over to a tree and sat down in the cool shade out of the way of the Sun's heat. He thought back to earlier that morning.
David had gotten him up earlier than he was used to, but it wasn't much of a problem because of how early he had gone to bed. David showed him how to fix breakfast and coffee then they ate in silence. After eating, David told him a list of chores and Jacob had all of them done by lunchtime. David had then shown him how to make lunch and explained what he would do next while they were eating. He was currently doing that now.
Jacob got back up and went back to the exercise. After another hour, David came and stopped him. Jacob looked expectantly at his master.
David looked at the targets, and saw that most of the arrows were near or in the bullseye. He's got good aim. He just needs to work on his speed...
"David? Is there something else you want me to do now? "Jacob spoke up, interrupting his master's thought process.
David blinked and looked down at him. "Yes. It's time to work on hand to hand combat."
Jacob put his bow down and followed his master a few inches away. David got into a fighting stance. "Copy this stance and show me what you've got."
Jacob got into the stance and quickly feinted a punch at David's face, but then dropped down into a crouch. He spun with his right leg out, attempting to knock him off his feet. David quickly went to block the feint then noticed Jacob dropping. He anticipated his next move, jumping up to dodge the sweep kick. He kicked out with his left leg and caught Jacob in the jaw, sending him falling back.
Jacob put a hand to his jaw and winced in pain. David came over and helped him. "You okay?"
Jacob nodded. David gave him a few minutes then spoke, "That was good. You just need to keep anticipating your enemy's next move. Never let your guard down. Let's try again."
They both got into a fighting stance and kept at it till dinner time. As they sat down for dinner, David looked over at Jacob. "Jacob, are you ready for your own horse?"
Jacob's eyes grew wide then he jumped up in excitement. "Yes! I was wondering when I would get one! I can't wait!"
David chuckled at his apprentice. "Alright. We'll be getting your horse tomorrow. Wash the dishes and get to bed."
Jacob jumped up and did as he was told. He couldn't wait to get his own horse.
Mikayla already had her own horse, and her father was currently teaching her the different signals Jasmine would give her.
"Remember that you have to pay attention. If you're not paying attention, you could miss a signal Jasmine gives you and it could end up bad," Will said.
Mikayla nodded then immediately started looking around as Jasmine gave her the signal that someone was close by. Will had also noticed because of a signal from Tug and was looking around. He relaxed once he saw that it was Gilan.
Mikayla smiled. "Uncle Gilan!"
Gilan smiled, waving. He joined the two riders on the opposite side of Will. "How's the training going?"
Will smiled. "She's doing good. I taught her all the signals her horse would give her. I've also been working on her shooting speed and hand to hand combat."
Gilan nodded approvingly at Mikayla. "That's good. You're ahead of Jacob, Mikayla."
Mikayla blinked in surprise. "Really?"
Gilan laughed. "Yes. He just got his horse today."
Will spoke with a smile, "I'm sure you didn't come this way to just give us news on Jake."
Gilan shook his head. "No. I'm here to let you know the date of the Gathering. It's two months from today. I could of just sent you and David a message, but this way I get to check up on the newest two apprentice's progress."
Mikayla listened quietly as they talked. The two adults talked for a while about Ranger business, but the conversation switched to how things were going at home so she tuned out. She started thinking about what Uncle Gilan said. She couldn't believe she was ahead of Jake. Jake was usually ahead of her. He was always ahead of her in school.
Mikayla came out of her thoughts as they reached the cabin. Will invited Gilan to dinner and to spend the night. Gilan agreed and slept in the guest bedroom after dinner while Mikayla slept in her usual bed in the loft. The loft had been added after the twins were born.
She sighed, thinking about the upcoming Gathering. That was when all the Rangers met and the apprentices got tested. If she passed, she would get her bronze oakleaf. The problem was what the Rangers and other apprentices would think and how they would treat her. Will had told her that the other Rangers would have no problems with it. It was just the apprentices she would have trouble with. She stared up at the ceiling. She had always wanted to be a Ranger and she loved it so far, but was it the right choice? She turned onto her side and fell asleep.