Voices Deep Inside (Book 1)

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Six

Knife Throwing

Mr. Huntveldt allowed Talia to draw a number with the rest of the competitors. Both Ridge and Roman decided not to compete so they could cheer on Talia. Both of them placed wagers on her to win.

Mick was so proud to know the girl he had taught to throw knives. He was excited that she was actually going to show her skills. He knew she had talent and strength.

"I taught her everything she knows," said Mick to the men standing around the area. Then Talia walked over to talk to Mick.

"Is there anything I should know?" asked Talia. "Should I throw sidearm over over-hand?"

"Stay with your over-hand throw," said Mick. "You are more accurate."

"What about the two distances?" asked Talia. "Will I be able to walk them off?"

"Yes. The shorter distance will be the first round," said Mick. "The longer distance will be the last round. Walk them both off so you know how much strength to use."

Roman came up to Talia, and he listened to Mick give her instructions. She attentively listened to his last-minute advice.

Her father came up to stand next to her. Even though the air was chilly, the sun shone brightly against the snow. She took off her gloves, her earmuffs, and her black wool cloak and handed them to her father to hold. She tested the wind direction and loosened up her arm.

Talia intently observed the other throwers and knew she was facing some tough competition. Roman knew in the back of his mind that these young men did not want to lose to a woman.

Talia stood in line as she inched closer to her first round. Roman was so proud of Talia and admired her grit.

"Man, I love that girl," said Roman.

"Have you told her that?" asked Ridge.

"No, but I plan to tell her tonight."

The crowd became quiet when Talia stepped up for her first round.

"Miss, we have these targets set for the men," said Mr. Huntveldt. "Would like to move forward to throw?"

"Can I check the distance first?" asked Talia.

"Of, course," said Mr. Huntveldt.

Talia then strode with her long legs, counting the steps as she walked to the first target. When she reached the target, the number matched the length of the back wall of the barn to the second stall. She turned and marked off the strides a second time, to be sure.

"It will be fine," said Talia. "I don't need to move any closer."

Mr. Huntveldt raised his eyebrows at her comment and swept his hand to show the throwing line was all hers.

Talia stepped up to the line with her personal knife and eyed the target. She brought her arm back and snapped the knife out of her hand. The knife turned around and around with velocity and accuracy as she nailed the bull's eye on the target.

A large round of applause went up as Talia ran down to the target to retrieve her knife. She came back to her father, who draped her cloak over her shoulders.

"Nice throw," said Ridge.

Roman pulled her in close and whispered in her ear, "I am so proud of you."