“Xander, keep your back straight, how are you going to shoot an arrow if you hunch your back!”
I glared at my uncle. Ever since the death of my father he made me learn to fight, to live, and to stay strong. But what good is it if I was already dead on the inside? My body may be living, but my soul feels not.
I straightened my back, steadied my bow, and nocked the arrow, ready to shoot. I took a deep breath and let go. The arrow made it, bulls-eye. I looked over at my uncle.
“Not bad, but you took too long. What will you if you only have a few seconds? Are you just going to take your time? Have I not taught you well? Just look at your brother, he does it right the first time…” uncle blabbered.
I was sick of this! Brother this, brother that! Why was he so perfect, why couldn't I get things right on the first time like him? I threw my bow and kicked it away.
“Enough!” I yelled.
Uncle stopped talking, then after a moment he muttered something. It sounded like “just like him” or something like that. Then he turned and grabbed my by the arm.
“Enough! What do you mean enough? After your father died, I did everything for the two of you. Can't you show a little bit of gratitude?”
“Hah, did everything for us? I never asked for this, I never asked you to do such a thing!”
“Fine, be that way. Stubborn eh, just like yer father,” he laughed. “Just do what you want, I won't force you. But keep in mind that if you ask for help, no one will help you. You have to stop relyin’ on yer brother."578Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLZ79y466r
. . .578Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLLy2mxa8o
I took a deep breath and opened my eyes. Uncle was right, I couldn't keep on relying on Alexei. I had to be strong and protect myself. Alexei wasn't going to always be there for me. I steadied my arrow and let it go.
The arrow made it, although it was a little off. I grabbed onto the rope, making sure that the arrow would hold. I put my foot against the tree and started to climb. I was halfway there when they came.
“Halt! By the order of the king, you are to be executed.”
Executed? Order of the king? Just what did you get yourself into brother? I closed my eyes. This had to be a dream! There was no way that this was possible, Alexei was loyal to the king and was a great fighter.
“Hey, you! How long are you going to hold onto that rope for, we haven't gotten all day. If you want to have a better death, I suggest you get down from the tree.”
Right, I could still escape! I continued to climb up the tree, then I felt a sudden pull on the rope. They were trying to pull me down, but that doesn't matter. I’m almost there, just a little longer.578Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzqVmylxVn
Just before I could grab onto the tree branch the rope broke. This was it, my life was going to end here. They would execute me, it's all over.
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