This time when I shot, it landed five feet in front of the target. "We did it!" I exclaimed. "We got close!"
Suvdin nodded and ducked her head.
"Fine. Laugh," I said. "Batu said three year olds can draw a bow better than me."
"I would say children of five seasons," Suvdin replied kindly.
"Thanks." A little embarrassed, I was also proud for having done this well. "Again!"
She helped me five more times before stepping back to watch me fire on my own. I did worse without her help but not as bad as the first time. I tried a few more times, excited I was at least shooting in the right direction. Mostly. Everything I shot went left.
"What do you aim at, goddess?" Batu's voice was amused.
"Isn't it obvious? The point five feet in front of the target," I retorted.
Suvdin did laugh this time. "Her aim is better than yours, Batu."
"So I see." He circled us, trailed by two younger boys I took to be cousins. He was scrutinizing my form with intensity that left me warm and self-conscious.
"Suvdin says I shoot like a five year old, not a three year old," I added, somewhat satisfied.
"She is being kind," he replied, eyes sparkling. "Let me see. Shoot at your target." He crossed his arms.
I lifted the bow and arrow, rejuvenated after the brief rest and with newfound adrenaline pumping through my veins. I hit my usual target - a random spot five feet before the box I was supposed to hit.
"It is an improvement," Suvdin said.
Batu approached. He stood in front of me, close enough for his body heat to reach me. "Show me again."
I lifted the bow. He tilted my right elbow up a little more then rested his hand on my left elbow and lifted a few inches. Content, he stepped back.
"Take a deep breath and release."
I did as he said. To my delight, my arrow reached the target this time, though it was nowhere near the dot at the center.
"She can be taught," he allowed.
"She shows promise, Batu," Suvdin chided him gently. "It is clear she has never held a bow. She will progress, perhaps as far as a child of ten seasons."
"Nine."
She smiled.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, both of you," I said, too cheered by the fact I did it to care if they didn't think me capable of outlearning someone half my size. "I'm ready for war."
Batu chuckled. "No, goddess, you are not. You will not see war." The edge in his tone wasn't one I had heard before.