THE ROYAL ENEMY

Chapter 18- The Semi finals

" It's not about the size of the dog in the fight, it's about the size of the fight in the dog"

JULIA

Three days later

He won. Don't get too happy and start celebrating before I finish my sentence. Leo made it to the semi-finals round, along with five others. The announcer spoke as the crowds cheered on their favourite players.

" And so, the last round, to narrow down our five best players, to one. The archery round. Each contestant will only have one bow and one arrow. Your aim is to hit the red target. The person with their arrow closest to the target wins. There are no re-do's and no second chances. The person who wins the round will go on to the last round and be pitted against our former winner." The speaker pointed to me, as I smiled forcefully. The cheers grew louder, and when they settled, he continued, " If, however, more than one person succeeds in hitting the target, they will settle it with a duel."

I looked out into the arena, my eyes settling in Leo. He looked so calm, as he stood there smiling. But I could see the worry behind his eyes, he was scared. Archery was his weakness, he knew it, they knew it, even I knew it.

"The players for this round are; Sir Joseph Dock," the crowd cheered for the black haired man, " Our favourite knight, Oliver pemsworth," I looked at the knight I worry, he was the biggest threat, never missed a target in his life. " Then we have Lord Dollaman jullie," there was clapping amongst the audience, less than last time, but sill a fair amount. The announcer skipped the next person, wanting to come to him last, " Sir Jack long, and lastly, the one you've all been waiting for. The person who shocked us to the core as he advanced through each round, Prince Leonard!"

The crowd errupted in yelps, screams, clapping, and I even heard a few girls scream 'I love you Prince'. Leo kept on a calm smile, waving to them.

They were all given a bow and arrow each, and made to stand on a line drawn on the floor. The targets were placed 100 metres away from them. And eveyone quitened down. Everything depended on this shot.

"First to shoot, Sir Joseph Dock," the announcer said. He raised his bow and arrow, closed his eyes before opening and letting go. Everyone held their breath as his arrow flew across the arena, hittin the board. A second later we could make out the arrow, it barely made the board, just on its edge.

Dissapointed shouts came from the crowd, before settling down. Oliver pemsworth, the knight took a stand, raising his bow and arrow and shooting it effortlessly. It hit the target straight on and the crowds burst into cheers.

Jack long and Sir Dollaman Jullie, missed the target completely. And pitifully left the arena. It was finally Leo's turn, he had to make a bulls eye, or he would lose. I rose slightly in my seat, tensing. Could he do it?

LEO

Terrified, I made my way to the line. Everyones eyes were on me. I lifted the bow and arrow, my hands shaking slightly. I couldn't help myself, I looked to the crowds, my eyes searching for something. What? I don't know. My eyes found Julia's, she stared at me. I couldn't tell what emotion she was feeling. But then she did something that suprised me. She gestured taking in a large breath and then letting it out. That's when I remembered.

The sun was glaring down at me, half covered by the clouds.'Your form is wrong', a voice said from behind me. I frowned at her, as she moved towards me. She put a hand on my arm, 'elbow down, just a bit.' Her voice barely reaching my ears. I did as she said, 'use your mouth as an anchor', she continued. But I was confused.
She sighed really lowly,'Touch your mouth', she said putting an arm on my shoulder. I brought the string closer to my mouth. My hands were gripping the bow tightly, noticing, she whispered, 'Relax your hand', which I did. Then her last two instructions got me to hit the target, 'breathe in' and 'release.'