STICKWAR(On Hold)

5: Way of the Archidon |1|

Kytchu woke up in a cell, the bars seemingly made of bark. As she woke up, she heard voices. "You didn't kill King Zarek!?" There was a scoff, as another gruffer voice said, "No, this one stopped me from completing my task. But she is still Order royalty, maybe we can use her." There was a sigh, as the first voice said, "Fine, go tell Archis what's happened. I will make sure the prisoner is handled well."

Footsteps receded as Kytchu got up, touching her head. She knew that she was now a hostage of the Archidons, but she needed time to figure out a plan. As she shook off her drowsiness, footsteps approached her. She looked up to see a friendly looking Archidon, who grinned at her. He gave a small bow. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Princess Kytchu. I am Egil, and I please ask you to remain as agreeable as possible."

Kytchu snorted. "Your name's Eagle?" Egil frowned. "No, my name is Egil, E-g-i-l. Though it does sound awfully similar." Kytchu looked at Egil curiously. "You don't seem mad at me. Aren't we at war?" Egil shrugged. "Yeah, but honestly, I couldn't care less. I think the war is stupid, but that doesn't matter right now. You'll be safe here." Kytchu pouted. "My nation will come for me!" Egil chuckled. "If they dare to step foot anywhere near the capital of the Archidon nation, a thousand arrows will take them before they even see our gates."

Kytchu sat up, alert now. "This is the capital!?" Egil grinned. "Indeed. If Archis gives mercy, you will get to see it in all its glory." Kytchu gulped at the mention of the Archidon leader's name. She knew little about him, but she knew he could be hostile at certain times. She hoped that her father would rescue her soon. Egil sat in a chair as she thought, saying, "They'll be here in some time to bring you before Archis, so relax until then."

Kytchu huffed, but turned around and rested her back against the bars, closing her eyes.

She didn't know how much time had passed, but there was a sudden thump on the bars to her cell. She looked up, seeing two Archidons wearing golden helmets and quivers glaring at her. "You are wanted before Archis, Order royal." Kytchu pouted and said, "It's Kytchu, Archidon." The Archidons opened the cell, picking her up and guiding her through a series of halls.

As they went through what Kytchu assumed was the Archidon palace, she noticed Castle Archers and more gold-adorned archers as they passed. Most glared at her, but some looked at her with pity. Kytchu felt sad that her nation had to go to war with them, but she couldn't think about that right now. The gold adorned Archidons marched her to a large wooden door, where at least ten more gold Archidons stood guard.

They exchanged nods with her guards, and opened the door. Kytchu was shoved in, and there, sitting on a throne of bark and flowers, was General Archis himself. Kytchu couldn't help but be awed, as he wore a dark green cape, and his bow was ornately crafted, resting easily on his lap. A few Archidons stood around him, all of them glaring at her.

Kytchu bowed, and kept her head down, as father had taught her to do. She couldn't make a wrong move here, for surely the Archidons would have no problem killing her. As she bowed silently, Archis chuckled. "Rise child." She did, looking Archis in the eye. Archis grimaced. "You know, I have great respect for your nation-" Kytchu scowled. "Then why did you go to war with us!? You almost murdered my father, who did nothing to you, and certainly wouldn't ASSASSINATE YOU!" 

The Archidons around Archis reached for their bows, but Archis raised a hand, the Archidons removing their hands and letting them hang at their sides. Archis looked at Kytchu, looking sad. "I would not have done so, but my people, who follow the ways I have created, will not rest until Order is gone. I simply can't negotiate peace, young one. You'll understand in time." Kytchu huffed, but stayed quiet.

Archis continued, "I have been thinking on what to do with you. I could use you as a hostage to win the war, but my people might see me cowardly and unfaithful to the way of the bow. But I don't want to kill you either, your father would surely keep this war going, and destroy many of my people." Archis stroked his beard, sighing.

There was silence until a gold Archidon came in, announcing, "Lord Archis, you have a visitor." Archis raised an eyebrow. "Now? Huh, well, bring them in." As Kytchu looked to the door, Egil came in the room, looking around sheepishly. He quickly came forward, bowing to Archis. "My leader, it is a pleasure." Archis chuckled. "The pleasure is mine. What is it you need?" Egil looked nervous, and looked to Kytchu. 

"I know that you are encountering a dilemma about our prisoner, but I have a proposition." Archis sat up, looking intrigued. "Oh...well, what is it?" Egil smirked at Kytchu as he said, "We could teach her the ways of the Archidon." The Archidons around Archis immediately went into an uproar, yelling that an Order scum did not deserve to know the ways of the bow. Archis banged his hand on his throne arm, silencing the others.

Archis smiled at Egil. "I must say, I believe this is the best route to take. After all, when we defeat Order, they will learn our ways anyway." Archis pointed to Egil. "You will be responsible for Kytchu. Take her to your village, teach her our ways. If she gets out of line, you and her will both end up in our prisons. Understood?" Egil bowed and nodded, and Archis clapped his hands. "Then it is settled. You, Princess Kytchu, will not be our prisoner, but will become one of the Archidons."

Another really short chapter. I know I constantly say I'll make these chapters longer, but I think it will just be better to just write till I think the chapter is done.

So this is going to set Kytchu up to one day claim the Archidons, and also to show the Archidon culture. Next chapter though will go back to the warfront of Order and the Archidon nation, and show their plans about how to get Kytchu back. 

Hope you guys are enjoying this story! All two of you...😢!