“I intend to,” Crow said with a grin. “In fact…” He took a few steps farther away from the target tree and repositioned himself again, staring the ‘X’ with new focus. “I’ll hit it from here.” Closing his eyes, he took a moment to recall what Penelope had taught him about drawing the bowstring. He reached over his shoulder and drew an arrow, notching it in the bow against his left index finger. Then, pulling back on the string with his right hand, he cocked the feathered end of the arrow back to the corner of his mouth.

He took a stabilizing breath and opened his eyes again, fixating on the target in front of him. In the next instant, he released the bowstring, sending the arrow flying. It struck the tree just above the box around the ‘X,’ and he felt his heartbeat quicken with excitement. This was the closest he had gotten to hitting the bullseye so far. He took another slow breath, forcing his emotions in check so he wouldn’t lose focus.

[i]I can do this,[/i] he thought, pulling another arrow from the quiver. Repeating the same process, he armed the bow and drew back the string, tilting his head a bit closer to his shoulder this time. When he loosed the arrow, it pierced the tree below the ‘X,’ but within the box. [i]Just a little closer. Don’t overcorrect,[/i] he mentally critiqued his performance.

Reaching into the quiver once more, he drew a third arrow and notched it in the bow. As he cocked back the string, his eyes stayed fixed on the center of the ‘X’. He held the arrow at his anchor point for a moment before sending it soaring through the air. He held his breath as he watched it puncture the tree, just to the left of the bullseye.

Turning to Penelope, he beamed excitedly, “How’s that for improvement?” He let his arms drop, giving them a short break from the effort of holding up the bow. “My skills with the dagger may need work, but I think I’m a natural at this.”