The Hollows

Chapter 6 - A Story to Hide

          Heather couldn't remember much of the way to the capital. What she remembered the most was the pain in her feet and neck. Her legs were also stiff due to riding with the Light Elvin soldiers, the Black Crest refused to fly out of respect to those who had no wings. She also recalled cursing the sun for being so bright when they had barely received any rest for nearly a full day. She paid no attention to her surroundings in hopes to get to food and a bed. The Black Crest were graced with an afternoon's rest and invited to a banquet later that evening. Measurements had been taken to provide some fresh gowns in their size for the event as well as daily activities.

           Her wishful thinking had gotten her what she wanted as well as a well-deserved hot bath with lavender scented water. She had received a small chamber near where the other members rested. Her window gave her a view towards the court with a large decorative fountain in its centre, training grounds were positioned close to the portcullis on the left hand side, and an arena paralleled them, accompanied by a few stables. They had modernised the entrance, worthy of the Light Elvin kind and style. The glass window was thick enough to keep the sound of the soldiers and horses out, though the occasional breeze would pass through a miniature crack between the frame and thick stone wall. The thickness of the wall provided a window seat where a few cushions and blanket were placed for relaxation. She noted that to be her favourite spot as it would allow her to stargaze or watch the rising sun, and if the soldiers failed at their training, a discreet banter. They would not be staying for too long, but she relished in the delights as long as she could, nearly forgetting about the medicinal shop she held in Delaryr. She wanted to feel guilty for leaving Clara to attend alone with her sister, but the sum they received as compensation was well-worth it.

           Sundown was approaching, and Heather stared intently at the training grounds, noticing shooting targets. She would have more than a couple of hours to get ready for the welcome banquet, giving her enough time to appreciate the targets falling for her arrows. She tied her hair up trying to get them out of her face and peeked her head through, checking no one from the Black Crest was there to follow her down. She smirked victory and sneaked away, skipping the corridors and stairs before coming out towards the training grounds. She spotted some trainees, approached them and asked for permission to use the target practice area. After verifying her weaponry skills by questioning positions and security basics, they watched her fire one arrow before leaving her to her private session. It was a simple left-handed recurve bow. She could not use hers as it was being waxed. She took an arrow with three feathers, placed it on the rest and clipped it on the nocking point, positioning herself about thirty metres from the target, pulled the string swiftly and took aim, holding it just under her chin, when ready, she relaxed her the tips of her index and middle fingers, releasing and firing the arrow. On the limit, close to a bullseye. She cursed the arrow for missing her goal.

           "You missed." Cassius creeped from behind her.

           She jolted, displeased at his sudden appearance. "Barely."

           "I suppose I can give you that victory." Cassius mocked.

           "And you can stop sneaking up on people," she argued, "Find a better speciality."

           He laughed, unable to contradict her remark. He had followed her to her shop, at night during their rest and this time, it was at the archery section. She found it disagreeable how she could barely detect his presence when in a state of concentration. She left to walk towards the target, Cassius trailing not so far behind her with a discreet grin. She handled the silence before letting out a huff when pulling out the singular arrow from the target. She no longer wanted to shoot if he was there.