Chapter 5

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We practiced archery the next day. Teras came to my training, since she was the archery expert, and showed me the best ways to shoot the arrow. I had quite a bit of fun, but I didn’t shoot anything. Teras took me out hunting, leaving Ronan to head back by himself, where she was sure Genora would be waiting for him. I thought of his and Kana’s conversation the night before and wondered if it was the wisest comment to make.

            As we wandered through the woods, I decided to ask about it. “Teras?”

            “Mmhmm?” Her green eyes were trained on the trees.

            “What happened between Kana and Ronan?”

            Teras drew in a breath, her eyes looking upon me. She hesitated, then, “I’m not entirely sure. I know they were very close before all of this happened.” She gestured to around us, but I’m pretty sure she meant the dead forests. “But then She came and they were sent to different training schools. Ronan came back ready to pick up where they left off, but Kana was never quite the same. Eventually their relationship just…died.” Teras sighed softly. “Genora went to the same training school as Ronan, and it was there that she became infatuated with him. He never responded to her though.”

            “How do you know all this?” I whispered in awe.

            Teras laughed. “I listen. When She came, all Netherlings were sent to North, South, East, or West Training School, or North, South, East or West Learning Temple. The goal of the Training Schools was to teach about battles, and master weapons. The goal of the Learning Temples was to teach the arts and preserve the Ancient Scrolls that held the history of the Netherworld. I was sent to North Learning Temple. There I learned how to observe; how anything can be achieved through observing. I can learn from the smallest actions, I notice things that most people miss, and I can hear snippets of conversation that I can put together and discover the full story. I learned archery through watching the North Training School practice and learn. But I interpreted it differently from the warriors. I saw the bow and arrow as an art; the arching motion, the pin-point aim, the snap of the string. I didn’t try to control it; I let the arrow be free, and that helped me master the art of archery. The only other Netherling I know that can actually use their weapon for beauty rather than darkness is Kana. She uses her sword much like a dancer would twirl a twig.”

            I stared at Teras, seeing her in a new light. She was magnificent! “Which schools did Kana and Ronan attend?” I asked.

            Teras slid me a sideways smile. “Kana and Ronan lived in East Netherworld; Kana was sent to South Training School, and Ronan was sent to West Training School.”

            “Where were you from?”

            “South Netherworld.”

            “Wow. So how-”

            “Shh.” Teras pointed her bow discreetly at a bird. She nocked an arrow and prepared to shoot, when her shoulders slumped, her arms dropping. “I can’t shoot her. She’s preparing to lay eggs.”

            “How did you do that?” I stared, amazed.

            “I’ve studied the scrolls on birds. This one is normally slimmer. Also, when her feathers start to change to a fluffier red, it means she is getting ready to lay eggs.”

            “Wow. What else can you tell? Say, about me?” I spread my arms.

            Teras didn’t look at me though. “You think Ronan is attractive, but you don’t want to think that.”

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