To Save a Kingdom

Chapter 18

The next morning I hauled myself up and out of bed. I got up early before the rest of the castle so I could go outside in secret. If I was going to get stronger today was the day I needed to start working. My determination drove me to get dressed and head outside. I didn't know where I was going but it didn't really matter. The fresh morning air was crisp and cool as I found my way to the training field. In no time the field would be full of warriors in training. Warriors were coming from many different kingdoms. We had sought out Liddy's family as well as any old ties that we had. We were determined to defend ourselves and win the approaching war. For now the training field was empty and I could train undetected.

I reached for a bow. It seemed insane to draw back the string but I wanted to do it. Archery was always my favorite because it didn't require lugging around a heavy sword. The bow allowed for freedom and distance. Maybe Jared would let me come to the battle if I promised to stay on the wall with the other archers. It was doubtful. Archers were usually a popular target I thought as I grabbed the bow and a few arrow in a quiver.

'Just one target' I told myself. 'Just one.' I raised the bow comfortably looking for an appropriate target. Then the pain hit when I tried to draw the string. It seemed impossible. I wanted to scream from the pain but I kept it inside. I had to remain undetected. Screaming wouldn't help. The target was probably thirty feet away. Normally it was the one we would use for beginners. Once the hit the target at thirty feet they could move onto the more rigorous training. Thirty feet would be a good practice. I was sure that I could hit it.

I focused on breathing as I pulled the string back as far as I could. Then I took aim and let my arrow fly. I watched as it unsteadily flew ten feet then fell to the ground. There wasn't even enough force for the arrow to plunge into the ground. It simply hit the thin grass then toppled over in defeat. Just like my pride.

There was the sound of laughter causing me to freeze. Joseph came into view walking towards me. I relaxed a bit. Joseph wasn't a cause of concern. He would keep my secret even if it meant I had to deal with his annoying laughter.

"What was that?" He asked with a smirk.

"A practice shot." I spat.

"I'm sure!" He laughed. "That target just about wet itself in fear."

I glared at him then reached for another arrow. With Joseph watching I had to make the shot. I would never live it down if I didn't.

He bowed waving his arm with a slight flourish. "My lady, by all means show me how to hit the target."

I pulled the arrow against the string and drew it back. The target was in sight. I was determined to hit it. Concentrating on my breathing rather than Joseph's obnoxious laughter I visualized myself hitting the target. The whoosh of the arrow flying through the air. The springy release of the bow string. The thunk of the target as the arrow lodged in at least three inches. With that I released and watched the arrow sail. Fifteen feet... before nose diving to the ground below. This time the arrow honored me by sticking into the ground but then to my humiliation it wavered then fell over.

Joseph clutched his side with laughter while I tried not to picture his head on a spike.

"Oh great warrior princess!" He wheezed between chuckles. "Don't shoot me please!" He said cowering on his knees. He crawled forward and clutched at my boots. "Please don't shoot me!" He wiped tears from his eyes that were from laughing so hard. I swatted him with my bow then walked away. He was being an idiot.

Joseph fell into step beside me. We walked in silence towards the castle for awhile. The bruises on his face were barely visible. Mine were almost gone too. It was if nothing had happened to us. Right now my ribs were the main reminder.

"So Jared proposed." He said trying to start up a conversation after we had walked in silence for a few paces. Joseph was never one for quiet.

I nodded my reply still trying to act like I was angry at him.

"And I take it that he doesn't know you are out here? all alone." He added.

"No he doesn't. And it better stay that way. He's worse than mother."

"Don't be too hard on him. He was worried about you." I stayed silent waiting for him to continue. "I've never seen him like that before."

"I'm fine Joseph. What happened happened. It's over now. He can't expect me to just sit back while the castle falls. Besides I would rather die in battle than wish for death at the hands of king Theo or his son. I won't be taken prisoner again."

"Then we had better get you ready for battle."Joseph concluded.

I looked up at him with wide eyes. "You'll help me then?" I asked the surprise evident in my voice.

"Of course. If you're intent on dying then I should at least get the pleasure of watching you prepare for death."he chuckled. "Think you can shoot an arrow further than five feet? Because if the enemy has to get within five feet of you before you can kill them then you're severely out of luck."

"I don't know what you're talking about my arrow went at least fifteen feet." I countered trying not to sound too annoyed with him.

I had Josephs help and he would keep my secret from Jared. Hopefully I would be strong enough to make it to the battle if there was one. Hopefully Jared didn't kill the both of us before we got the chance to put up a decent fight.