The Cursed Archer

Chapter 1: Beginning Of The End

Many decades ago

"Sire," the General spoke as he knelt and bowed his head. "I come bearing news."

"Good, I hope," the King replied, seated on his throne.

"I believe you will be pleased. We have captured him. He is in chains and my men are ready to take him to the dungeon as we speak," the General reported. "The cuffs you provided us with worked."

"Excellent!" The King stood up with a rare smile as he approached his most trustworthy soldier and motioned for him to stand. "Tell your men to bring him to the northern chambers of the castle instead."

"Of course," the General nodded. He was confused, but he was the only man in the entire kingdom who could dare to question their ruler. He was the only one the King would answer, as well. "May I ask why, Your Majesty? Would the dungeons not be safer?"

"We cannot lock him behind mere iron bars," he stated. "I have a special place for him. One he cannot escape from."

"I see. I will take the mage there myself, then."

***

Present time

"Do you think he is going to be okay?" Archie asked as he saw the castle on the horizon.

"Sir Christian was sure that he could make the cure and I trust him," Kenric replied, his expression stoic. Archie glanced at him, knowing that the prince was just as worried as he was. "James is going to be fine. He has to be."

"He has to be," Archie repeated, his voice a mere whisper.

Their journey back from the South was uneventful. It was strange, as they had done everything they set out to accomplish. They found the antidote for James's poison, and they killed the blood witch and broke Godric's curse. But despite that, the tension in the air was palpable. Neither of them spoke about it, but it was clear what they were thinking.

They might have saved James and Godric, but they did lose something. They did not wish to talk regarding the consequences of Archie's use of the bow, as denial of the potential damage to his soul seemed like the sweeter option.

Archie had other things on his mind too. What the blood witch said about his father, for one. Was she saying the truth? Could he really be alive? Did Archie even want to know? The stable boy subconsciously gripped his bow a little tighter as they rode on their horses, an action that did not go unnoticed by Kenric.

The closer they got to the castle, the more worried Archie started to grow. He could not think of anything but James, and he prayed over and over again that his little friend was alright. Kenric pretended that he was not concerned, but Archie could see right through him. He knew the prince's heart had to be beating out of his chest just as much as Archie's was.

They came in through the stables and barely had the chance to step on the grass when Archie was all but tackled by a very, very relieved knight.

"You both are alive!" Sir Christian exclaimed, still holding on to the stable boy. Archie chuckled as he returned the hug, before glancing at the prince, who simply shrugged at him.

"Indeed," Archie replied. The knight finally pulled back and faced Kenric before bowing in courtesy.

"Prince James is awake. He is in good health, and there seems to be no effect of the poison anymore," Sir Christian informed Archie, and Archie felt like he could breathe again.

It seemed like Kenric was just as pleased as him by the news. He kept a hand on Sir Christian's shoulder, gripping it with light force as he smiled.

"Thank you, Sir Christian. We could not have done this without you," Kenric stated.