Chosen Air (Seiyoka Chronicles Book 1)

Archer's Trial

In Lefae's memory, she had seen me try to climb Mount Caindier alone. When Lefae had thought I was in danger, she disguised herself as Keona, the Village's top guard. She then commanded the two high-ranked Warriors, whom were also siblings; Bremen and Aurora, and she sent them after me on Mount Caindier. Once Bremen and Aurora were well on their way to rescue me, Lefae returned to her original ghostly self and hid in the Forest until Isis summoned her. Lefae let go of my arm and my own vision returned, as well as Lefae's ghostly form.

"Do you trust me now?" She murmured, returning the dove to me. I nodded my head. "How do I prove that I am who I say I am to you?" I asked. Lefae flicked her right hand and a target appeared on a post at her right side, my left. "If you can shoot five bull's-eyes from that sequoia tree," she pointed to the sequoia tree that stood a few feet from the exit, "then that shall be proof enough." Lefae said. She floated up and sat on a branch that hung where I would stand. "Good luck." She said. I nodded my head and walked to the tree. I held my hand to the birds and they hopped onto my hand.

"Fly to the branch, my friends." I whispered and watched as they flew up to Lefae. I took off my bag and placed it at the tree trunk. I took a deep breath and nocked my first arrow.

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My second shot missed by an inch and I was so focused on my challenge, that I didn't notice the disappearance of Lefae and the birds until my forth bulls-eye. I was about to nock another arrow, but Lefae's flowy form by the bush quickly caught my eye. I looked up and put my bow down. "Lefae?" I called out. "Finish your challenge. Queen Isis is waiting." I heard her whisper. I took another deep breath and nocked another arrow. I relaxed and released the arrow, making my fifth bulls-eye. The target disappeared and in its place hovered Lefae. She smiled and pointed at Mount Caindier. "I sent the birds back to your home. Go. The Queen awaits your arrival." She spoke softly.

I nodded and smiled at Lefae. "See you around, Lefae." I said. I gave her a quick wave and after grabbing my bag, I sprinted out of the Forest.