The Voyager and the Rogue

Chapter 18: Laeli

Eyarr and I had made ourselves comfortable at our campsite for a decent period of time. We stuck to our usual tasks; I'd fish for us, make sure our supplies were organized, and practice using my new daggers.

He had also set a target station, first showing me how to throw a dagger. In his words, "Sometimes you just need to throw something sharp." I didn't have any reason to question it, so I went along with his instructions. While my father had trained me with target practice for stationary targets, it had not been put to much use. My skills had deviated to oceanic fishing, using spears on schools of fish.

"I can aim for a moving target! Why can't I get one that's literally not moving!" I exclaimed in frustration.

"It's okay, Laeli. It's a different kind of aim. You need to remain steady and focused. I don't expect you to be perfect at this. It takes time."

"If I can get at least one on the target..." I mumbled.

"Here, let me help your stance." He positioned my arms, angling them in the right direction, and moved my feet accordingly. Then to my surprise, he stood against my back, so my head was against his chest. He gently took my wrist with his hand, demonstrating the motion, holding my opposite hand up.

"Watch this." He said. He waved my arm for a few seconds before throwing the dagger with a flick of the wrist.

With his guidance, that throw landed me a ring away from the bullseye, to my amazement.

"You did it!" I said with excitement. He grinned and shook his head.

"No, you did. All it takes is a good flick of the wrist." He demonstrated it again for me, and I mimicked him, "Go and try again, with that wrist motion this time." He said. I went and yanked the dagger out, returning to my original position. My body recreated the position from moments earlier, and I recalled that wrist motion.

I held out my other arm for my aim.

Once I was sure of my aim, I took in a steadying breath and threw.

Just outside the bullseye this time. My jaw dropped. I eagerly turned to Eyarr with the excitement of a child.

"Look! I did it!" He grinned again.

"You did!" He high-fived me, "Keep that up, and you'll be better than me."

"I haven't even seen you use your daggers."

"Because I haven't needed them yet. I need to train you on proper combat usage before we try fighting with them."

"One-on-one?" I asked. He gave an affirming nod.

We trained for a few more hours until the sun began to set. My shoulders and triceps were extremely sore from all the throwing, but I felt excited.

Our dinner was satisfying that evening; Eyarr told me stories about some of his travels with Cliffire and the experience he gained. I felt like we were becoming even closer than before. I could feel he trusted me. And I could never betray that trust.

We went to sleep, exhausted but happy.

I awoke in the middle of the night randomly. My mind swore it heard something splash in the water. I sat up, yawning and pushing a stray hair out of my face. I looked over, the fire had died, and Eyarr was sound asleep next to Cliffire, who was asleep as well, snoring-like noises emitting from his throat. Eyarr rolled over under his blanket but did not wake.

I blinked the gunk out of my eyes and groggily made my way toward the shore, clutching my arms and feeling the chill in the night air.

The ocean was pitch black, but the moon provided enough light that I could see the trees and outlines of sea stacks in the distance and surrounding our campsite.