Chapter 4

On Saturday, Sofia learned that the Dunwiddie Village School had agreed to participate. Sofia was excited and wanted to see if her village friends were going to participate, so she decided to visit Ruby and Jade.

Ruby and Jade were excitedly talking about the Quad School Games as they were making their way to the school, to get in some practice.

"This is SOOOO exciting!" exclaimed Jade.

"It sure is! And we get to participate too!" added Ruby.

Just then, Sofia joined her friends.

"Ruby! Jade! How are you?"

"Sofia, it's so good to see you!" exclaimed Ruby.

"And we have some news too! Our school has been invited to participate in the Quad School Games this year!" added an excited Jade.

"That's wonderful!" exclaimed Sofia. "Do you know who signed up and for what events?"

"Yes! Karl and Lucinda signed up for the 100 meter run and Raymond and Karl signed up for the bowling. And of course, the usual suspects signed up for Dazzle Ball!" stated Ruby.

"Who signed up for Flying Derby racing and archery?"

"Hi, Sofia! Meg and I signed up for archery," said Peg , as the three friends arrived at the schoolyard..

"Although we've never shot an arrow before in our lives!" added Meg.

Sofia thought for a minute, and then came up with a great idea..

"Meg! Peg! I'll ask Princess Trudy to help you with your archery. She really is quite a good archer, as well as a teacher!"

"Do you think she'll have time?" asked Peg.

"With her practicing for the Royal Prep team archery event?" added Meg.

"Yes, she'll have time because she isn't signed up for any Quad School Games events. I'll need to ask her."

"Thanks, Sofia!" stated Meg.

"We can use all the help we can get!" added Peg.

"And Jade and I signed up for the Flying Derby horse event!" stated Ruby.

"You know, you really should get to know your horses before practicing for the race. Why don't we go to Royal Prep tomorrow so you can choose your mounts," suggested Sofia.

"That would be great, Sofia!" stated Jade.

"As for you, Meg and Peg, why not come with me to Princess Trudy's castle now to see if she'll help teach you archery."

"We'll have to ask our folks for permission!" stated Peg.

"And we'll be back with their answer in about five minutes!" added Meg.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Meg and Peg's folks had no problem with them going with Sofia. They trusted her as a fellow Buttercup and knew their twins were in good hands.

In about a half hour, the coach was approaching Trudy's castle. They could see Trudy in the garden.

"Trudy!" called out Sofia.

"What? Oh, Sofia! I wasn't expecting you!" said Trudy softly.

"Trudy, I know you feel bad about not being able to participate in the Games directly, but I think I can help you be there indirectly."

"What do you mean, Sofia?"

"I brought two friends of mine from the village who signed up for the archery event, and could use some help, and I thought you'd be the perfect instructor!"

Trudy thought for a moment, as Meg and Peg quietly exited the coach.

"This is Meg and Peg, Trudy and they need you!"

Trudy perked up noticeably and stated, "Why I'll be happy to help you two ladies!"

"That's great, Trudy!" exclaimed Meg.

"Because we are beginners in the sport!" added Peg. It was obvious that neither Peg or Meg were bothered by Trudy being in a wheelchair.

"Let's all go to the outdoor archery range!" exclaimed a very happy Trudy.

At the range, Trudy patiently helped Meg and Peg choose an appropriate bow, and then went over some safety tips. When it was finally time to shoot an arrow Meg's only went about 1 meter as did Peg's.

"Ohhhh!" exclaimed an exasperated Meg, which was echoed by Peg.

"Don't get down on yourselves. Archery is really only fifty percent physical. The other half is mental. Keep a positive outlook and forget your last shot, whether good or bad. The only important shot now is the next shot," taught Trudy.

After a few more errant shots, Peg and Meg finally hit the ten meter target.

"I hit the target!" squealed Meg.

"Me too!" added an equally happy Peg.

"Excellent job, ladies! At the practices after school over the next four weeks, we'll adjust your technique so that you will do respectably in the event," stated a very happy Trudy, as the four girls headed for the waiting coach.

Meg and Peg thanked Trudy profusely, as they headed for the coach to take them home. After Meg and Peg had entered the coach, Sofia stated, "Thanks for agreeing to teach Meg and Peg, Trudy!"

Trudy squeezed Sofia's hand and said, "Thanks for asking me, Sofia. You don't know how much this means to me!"

Sofia returned the squeeze and entered the coach. The three coach riders bid a hearty good bye to Trudy, which she returned.