The Cursed Archer

Chapter 3: Bringing Back The Band

Kenric watched from a distance as Archie helped James with his posture. A few days had passed since their return, and Archie had resumed the archery lessons with the little prince and the other two town boys.

Archie and Kenric had barely spoken to each other since their first night back. It was not because of Kenric's lack of trying, though. But Archie seemed determined to give him the cold shoulder. He did not meet the prince's eyes, gave monotonous one-word replies on the rare occasions when they had a chance to talk, and the couple of nights that Kenric attempted to sneak into his room— Archie was not there.

Kenric was at a loss for ideas. Even when they had disagreements in the past, Archie never shut him out like this. They could always talk about everything and resolve their issues together. But Kenric felt like he was the only one willing to work on their relationship right now.

Was this all because of the stupid bow? Sure, it was magical or whatever, and Archie was bonded to it. But was the pull of the weapon so strong that Archie was willing to risk what he had with Kenric? Was it more powerful than the love they shared?

"Sire?" Kenric glanced back, nodding as Sir Christian approached him. "We have caught the murderer who fled after killing his wife, and the thief who robbed the local goldsmith. They are both in the dungeon."

"Good. Inform the King."

"I will," the knight continued. "We also received word that the group of bandits that were terrorizing travelers near Thornegrove is now moving east. What should we do?"

"Intercept them. Take Sir Arlo and Sir Lyon or whoever else you wish," Kenric muttered, his eyes still fixed on the stable boy who was unaware of his presence.

"Are you both—" the blond paused as if debating whether he should say anything or not. He sighed, before continuing. "I do not mean to overstep but what is going on? Archie has barely said a word to me, and it seems like things are similar between you and him as well."

"He has not been talking to you either?" Kenric turned to face the knight, his brows pushed together, causing creases on his forehead.

"No. He finds a reason to leave whenever I approach him," Sir Christian replied.

"Oh. I see," the prince mumbled. This was unlike Archie. He was pissed at Kenric, sure. But why was he cutting everyone off? Sir Christian had not done anything wrong, so why was he getting the same treatment?

"Is he okay?"

"I do not think so," Kenric answered. "I took his bow away. He has been upset ever since."

"You took his bow?" The knight exclaimed, and both his voice and his face reeked of shock and disbelief. "Why would you do that?"

"You know why," Kenric retorted, sounding annoyed. "It is dangerous."

"Yes, but..." Sir Christian paused. "Archie's soul is bonded with it. You cannot simply separate the two and expect him to be okay with it."

"I will not return it to him, not when I know the damage it can cause," Kenric stated. His decision was firm and final. "Besides, even if I wanted to, I could not."

"What do you mean?"

"You told me that I could not destroy the bow, so..."

"Sire, what did you do?" The knight questioned, the corner of his lips turning downward.

"I tied it to a bunch of rocks and threw it in the bottom of a lake."

"You did... what? Why would you do that!?" Sir Christian's jaw dropped open and his eyes widened at the prince's revelation.