The Journey To An Unknown Destination

The person who declared the points to Cyril came up to them, greeting Emily enthusiastically, "Hello! I am Cyril's best friend, James." "Hi. I am Emily. Good to meet you." She replied. "Are you doing archery for the first time? Because I have never seen you." He asked, trying to remember her face, but to no avail. "Yes, it's my first time." Emily replied. "Best of luck then!" He then went away to practice while Cyril brought her near to an empty target, that no one was using and started to give her instructions.

"Your main objective is to shoot the arrow as close to the centre and gain maximum points. This is the target that you have to shoot. It has 10 concentric circles of different colors, each having specific points. The outermost two rings called one ring and two ring are white, three and four are black, five and six are blue, seven and eight are red and nine and ten which are the innermost rings, are gold. The ten ring also has an inner ring, known as "inner 10" or "X ring", which is sometimes used to decide the winner in case of ties. Scoring in archery is very simple: you just add up the number of points based on where your arrows hit the target. And don't forget these important points. First, the maximum time permitted to shoot an end of three arrows is two minutes, and four minutes for an end of six arrows. Secondly, athletes may not raise the bow arm until the signal to start is given and penalties can be given, in the form of points forfeits, if the bow is drawn after the official practice has been closed. At the end, your points will be added to announce the winner."

Cyril explained, pronouncing every word carefully and slowly. Emily took a few seconds before replying, "Ok. Got it!" He smiled as they headed back to their positions for practice. Seeing the two, James went towards the target, keeping a safe distance, so as to announce the points. "Who should go first? I think you should." Cyril asked. "Well, I'd like to see you shoot first." Emily replied. Cyril sighed and took out a bow from the quiver behind his back. Carefully placing it between the bow and pulling the string backwards, to its maximum capacity. He held it for a few seconds before letting it go. It was so sudden that before Emily could blink, it was already stuck on the target, hearing James call out, "Nine points again! Amazing!" Emily felt that praising him after every shot was unnecessary. Cyril smiled and turned towards Emily, "Your turn."

Aiden on the other hand, just finished his relay practice and was sitting under the shade of the tree, to cool himself. He looked around for Emily, as he found her near Cyril, he narrowed his eyes, having a serious expression. Emily held the arrow against the string, only to find herself helplessly trying to adjust the arrow properly. It kept on swaying from left to right. Cyril gave a little laugh, "May I help?" Emily sighed, hiding her embarrassment, "Yes, please." Cyril now stepped behind Emily, putting his hands over hers and adjusting the arrow. Emily just prayed that no one was looking at this awkward situation, or at least she thought it was awkward. Little did she know Aiden was watching each and every second with envy.

"You have to apply just a little pressure here, to keep it still." He instructed. Emily nodded her head as Cyril let go, standing beside, keeping a good distance. "Hold your breath and focus on the tip of the arrow while closing one eye." Cyril gave some tips. As Emily focused on the tip, she found that even if she held her breath it was still slightly swaying side to side. The target was quite small in her eyes. When she found a perfect moment she let go of the arrow. It was quick and before one could blink, it was already stuck with the target. They waited for James to call out the points, but he didn't. "Uhm. James! Points?" Cyril asked. "Ten." He stated in disbelief.

Woah, even Emily couldn't believe herself, "Hah, that's just pure luck. I won't be able to make it again the next time." She stated, trying to be realistic. Cyril nodded and couldn't help but compliment her, "Maybe. But you are really good." Emily blushed as Cyril and James went back to practicing, "Well, now you know what you have to do, I'll be here if you need me." As soon as they were gone at a distance, Aiden popped up from behind, "Hey!" Emily didn't expect this, so she jumped, turning around to find Aiden. She laughed, "You scared me!" Emily put the bow and arrows away and went with Aiden to figure out other games she'll be playing.

When they left, James quietly asked Cyril, "So, she's already friends with Aiden?" Cyril thought for a while, "Hmm..." Giving no proper response and starting to practice. James shrugged and started practicing too. He probably has something in his mind, James thought.