Princess Warrior [ON HOLD]

11

"Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all others ."
      -Winston Churchill

When I got to Comer's house, I yelled his name with all my might. There was no reply, so I yelled louder. Then, I heard him say, "Take it easy Princess, I wouldn't want to loose my hearing on a day like this."

I rolled my eyes as I finally saw him walking towards me from behind his house. I also noticed the surprise in Comer's eyes when he took in the tiger in my arm and the one behind me. As they both growled at him. I said, "Whatever. I need a place for the tigers."

Comer cocked his eyebrow at me as he said, "What? You need a place for the tigers?"

I took a deep breathe. I said, "I need to keep the tigers here just for today. I need to keep them safe. Just for today."

Comer cocked his eyebrow at me. He said, "Why would you want to keep the tigers here in the first place? From what I know, tigers are wild animals meant to roam in the wild."

I sighed. I was running out of time. The sun was already past its peak and soon enough it would set, signalling the start of the competition which equals the death of Terra's mother.

I said, "Just keep them with you for a couple of hours. I would come back for them today. I promise."

Comer sighed. He said, "You need to understand Princess, that nothing goes for nothing."

Confused, I said, "What does that mean?"

Comer continued, "It means, you have give something in exchange for the favour you asked of me."

I said, "What is it you want? Money? A tittle? Just tell me and it would be done."

Comer scoffed and said, "I have no use for titles or money."

I was beginning to get really impatient at this point. I was offering this man a lot and he was refusing. It was every peasants dream to be rich and to get a title but this peasant was refusing. I said, "Then tell me what you want?"

Comer looked me squarely in the eye as he said, "Martial arts. In exchange for keeping the tigers here, you'll have to learn martial arts from me."

I couldn't hide the shock written all over my face. What was Comer's deal with teaching me martial arts? How could he throw away the opportunity to get richer just to teach me martial arts?

When I didn't say anything, Comer said, "Are you willing to give up your time, pride and everything to learn martial arts for the sake of some wild beasts?"

I stared at the ground. I was completely deep in thoughts. Was I actually willing to do this for Terra and her family? I had no idea about  Comer's motives for insisting on teaching me martial arts. I could be walking into a conspiracy targeted at the royal family. What if it was a trap?

I stared at Terra. She was still in my arms, staring at me. I looked deep into her eyes and made my decision.

I said, "I'll do it. I'll learn martial arts in exchange for Terra's safety."

Comer cocked his eyebrows. He smiled and said, "Very well. This way Princess." He led me to the back of his little house where a wooden cage was seated.

Comer said, "I used to use this during my hunting days. You can put your tigers there."

Terra and her brother went reluctantly into the cage and Comer shut the door. I said to Terra, "I'll be back soon and I won't just come alone, I'll bring your mother."