Chapter 183 TEIGEN VII
RYKER
After making the bow as well he would require it to be tested. That was my favorite part of all. I would very carefully aim the arrow at a barrel and fire, more often than not missing my target completely. Mr. Rae also loved this part but for different reasons. He would roar in laughter, enjoying how many times I tried over and over till he would have to yank the bow from me. I desperately wished I could learn how to yield such a weapon.
I was of the view that Mr. Rae had been unaware of me secretly going to practice at night so I was surprised when weeks later, the patron, a skilled knight from the Earl's army had come to collect his weapons which included the bow and arrow I had been practicing with.
"Here you go" Mr. Rae motions me to pile the weapons into the chest he had brought with him and help the horseman load it into the carriage.
The knight takes a bow, "It is an honor to use weapons, made by such skilled hands. I know I have paid what I owe, but please let me reward you"
Mr. Rae watches me as I walk back in bit before I could pass by them he grabs me by my shoulder and presents me to the knight, his next words causing my eyes to widen. "My apprentice here, has an affinity for the bows and arrows. He practices every night, but he is no skilled warrior"
The knight looks down at me, taking in my appearance. I visibly shrink, wishing the ground would open up to swallow me. The soldier look at me with scrutinizing eyes, "Is that so, young lad?"
I nod but Mr. Rae nudges me, telling me silently to use my words.
"Ye-yes sir"
He hums in response. "If you wish to reward me, take my apprentice here and train him in the art of the bow and arrow. He will learn, won't you boy?"
My wide eyes meet his encouraging ones. I glance back at the knight and he looks at expectantly, waiting for my answer.
Was this really happening? Am I finally going to fulfill my dream of being an archer?
"So, what will it be lad?"
I close my open mouth, only now realising I had been gaping.
I nod excitedly, "Yes sir. I will learn" I speak with determination, joy radiating off me
The knight nods, "Very well. As my armies commander, I will indeed take him under my wing and teach him the art. I will return in three work days so get your affairs in order and bid your master goodbye"
He bows before turning and striding out of the tavern in long powerful steps. I release the breath I was holding, unsure if this was really happening.
I turn to see Mr. Rae smiling down at me. The sight was uncanny, he never smiled, only when he roared in mocked laughter, but this was different. This was a genuine, affectionate smile.
"Sir"
"Foolish boy, did you think I did not know you trained with that tool every night? I might be olding but my ears do still work as well as they did in my prime" he walks out to the shack and I follow behind.
"But sir" he takes a seat on his work bench and begins sharpening some kitchen knives on the anvil.
"You talk too much boy. You do not want to be cooked up in this here shack with this brute for the rest of yer life" he takes the knives one after the other, not once meeting my gaze. He was trying to deflect, distract himself "You are a young lad, a man should be keeping busy"
"I am keeping busy sir, with you" I reason. I wanted to go but I did not wish to leave Mr. Rae, he had given me so much.
"Oh, do not start crying boy. I am an old tanker but I can still take care of myself just alright. You have your whole life ahead of you, make the most of it" he finally glances my way and I can see the mix of sadness, joy and pride in his grey eyes.
"You are good with that bow, but you need to be a master. Anything worth doing is worth doing well young lad. Make the most of this and train to your heart's content" he stands to place the knives in their containers.
"Maybe later when you have become a skilled archer, if you don't forget this old brute you can come back to visit. Although you will still have to make me some bread for me to let you in" he chuckles and I fall silent.
Tears gather in my eyes. This man right here was more of a father to me in the 9 years I had known him that even my own father. I would surely make him proud. I stepped forward, wrapping my arms around Mr. Rae in a hug the moment he turned around.
"I know you do not like hugs sir, nor when I cry but please, do allow it this once"
He tenses up for a moment, before he relaxes with a sigh, returning the hug. "Alright boy"
That day was the first time we ever shared a hug, the last time was the day I was departing.
I made sure to make a lot of bread that would last Mr. Rae for some days. We shared a parting hug and I promised to come back to visit him when I was done with my training. Before I left he handed me a brand new pair of leather gloves and shared some words of wisdom that I would never forget, and never did.
"You foolish boy stumbled into me land with such fear in your eyes. But today you depart from here a man, your eyes straight with determination, filled to the shore with dreams. Do not forget from whence you came and remember that your dreams are only limited to your soul and your soul cannot be contained"
"Do not ever let anyone dim your fire, nor quench it. Let it burn bright and light your path"
"Good luck my son"