Survive Or Die

Chapter 19 - Love leaves a memory no one can steal

I send for him to be ready at my throne room in an hour. I don't have breakfast as we are running out of food and they need it more than me. So all I'm left to do is wait.
What must have been an hour later, Archer comes stumbling into the room with his wet golden hair hanging over his eyes. He slowly walks up to my throne and bows awkwardly. I have to stifle a laugh and I slowly stand. Fear and admiration shines in his watchful eyes I turn to glare at him. "Come," I order and strut from the room without another word. He dashes after me as we ascend the stairs quickly. We get to the ground and I tell the guard posted outside that I need Collin. He scurries away and returns a few minutes later with Collin. Collin smiles warmly at the kid and the kid smiles back. "Collin," I bark, snapping him back to his senses. "I want this kid trained. Train him in fighting, train him combat, train him defence. I want you to make a warrior out of this boy. Understood?"
I see the kid out of the corner of my eye, watching me with fearful eyes. Collin stands to attention and raises his chin. "Understood."
I give a single nod as Collin beacons the kid to follow him. "Return him at eight o'clock sharp," I say as he starts to walk away, towards the targets and shooting range. He nods once and leads the kid away.

At eight o'clock exactly, Archer comes strolling into the throne room, snapping me out of my daydream. I clear my throat and sit up straight. "What did you learn?" I ask coldly.
He ignored my tone and his small face breaks into a grin. "I learn hooks and punches and we did a bit of exercise which was really hard but I still did it and he said I was awesome at it but all I learnt was punching. Oh I did learn a bit of kicks. Collin said that next time he will teach me awesomer-"
"More awesome," I correct.
"Yeah yeah, more awesome moves and I will become a ninja." He finishes and starts gasping for breath, still grinning.
The edges of my lips twitch into a reluctant smile. "Show me." I walk over to his shocked face and wait. He regains his posture and gets into a sloppy fighting position with his fists raised. I raise an eyebrow, signalling for him to stay. He charges at me and throws a weak hook to my jaw. I easily beat it aside as he throws another weak hook to the other side of my face. I smile in satisfaction. His features set in determination as he charges at me, attempting to throw an uppercut. I grab his fist. He seems stunned as he tries to pull it away but cannot move. He tries to hit me with the other punch which I grab as well. By now, both of his fists are held firmly by me. He struggles for a few seconds before his shoulders slouch and he gives up. I frown and let go of him. He watches the ground with his head hung low. Something like... guilt eats up my insides. "I tried, Aria. I really did," he says glumly.
I debate jumping out the window or comforting him. I settle on comforting him.
I crouch down to his level and gingerly place a hand on his shoulder. "I know. You- You just need more- more practice. You'll get there," I say somewhat awkwardly.
He looks up at me with a sweet smile and glimmering eyes that tugs at my heart. I sharply withdraw my hand and stand, forcing my face to go hard. "I assume you have eaten." He nods. "Wash up and go to bed," I order. He smiles and dashes from the room with a small skip in his step. I scowl. How stupid, I find myself thinking, to skip and be happy while a war is raging on.

The next day goes by much like the last. After his training I make him show me what he learnt. I have to admit, he is getting better. Days go by and Archer continues to make progress. And, as much as I hate to admit it, the kid is getting to me.
Collin raises an eyebrow and a pleased smile spreads across his face. He currently holds two old, torn pillows as punching mitts while Archer throws his fists against them. Sweat sticks his blond hair to his face and his shirt to his body. I lean against the doorway and fold my arms, a small smile appearing on my face. As much as I try to extinguish it, pride wells up inside of me.
Archer must have noticed Collins change in smile and stops punching. He turns around and spots me. His grins and races up to me. "You're here, you're here!" He chants.
I smile softly and look down at him. "I'm well aware."
"I didn't... I didn't think you'd actually come." Archers face is already red and sweat but now holds a wide smile from eye to eye. Collin looks at me over his shoulder and a smile and a special twinkle in his eyes.
I roll my eyes. "Well I'm here."
Suddenly he throws his arms around my torso, shocking me. I'm pretty certain that my face portrayed that shock perfectly. Collin chuckles as the kids grip around me tightens. After a few seconds I slowly place my arms on his back and gently hug him back. My smile becomes more genuine. Then he breaks away.
"Lemme show you what Collin was teaching me," he gushes. "He was showing me where to hit. It's pretty cool. Can I show you?" His eyes are hopeful so I agree, shutting out how much of Jay I see in him.
Without hesitation, he launches into a demonstration.
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Heyo!
Okay so sorry...
But I am pretty proud of the fact that this was exactly 1000 words. I mean, come on!
What do you guys think of Aria's warming up to Archer? And who's your favourite character?
Aria - 28
Celia - 26
Thank you so much jamieesonn for making me the banner! I love it!
Thanks for reading my wonderful book dragons and I love you all xxxx