by Patchouli_Knowledge » Thu Jun 30, 2011 8:09 pm
"Patchouli, wake up. We have a problem." The urgency within Netoji roused me from my stupor of slumber as I shake my head to. The next sound I heard was a loud banging from a distance, the sound of a large wooden object colliding into other...the wall! Ignoring the tightening of my lungs the best I could, I rush out of the dream house and outside where the resonating dissonance was more vivid. The shuttering of the wall followed. We were under attack!
Radin had reached the wall before me and was preparing the ballista while Chakrov was loading the bolt. I went to another direction, within the same tower. A row of longbow awaited within along with arrow slits allowing us to fire at any assailants. Grabbing one of the longbow along with a couple of quiver, I lined up against the slitted window and observed outside. Fortunately for me, there were no signs of archers from their forces so I can fire upon them without fear of retaliation. As I lined up my shot and drew my bow back, I heard of loud whoosh as a ballista bolt sped towards the enemies. It did not hit any of the personnel but it did strike the ram cause it to almost tilt over from the impact. Taking advantage of the enemies' surprise, I let loose my arrow as well. My aim was true as it found contact between the eyes of one of the raids, slaying him instantly. As I drew another arrow from the quiver, I saw the enemies start to scatter. Another arrow was fired from another tower and landed right on the back of another raider whom collapsed onto the ground, twitching for several seconds before crimson liquid feeds the grass. Another arrow from my bow grazed the ankle of a third raider whom tumbles onto the ground and does his best to try to crawl out of danger before his pain was mercifully ended by an arrow right through the skull.
As I drew my next arrow from the quiver, I felt my lungs tighten in pain. Not now! My hands grasp my chest as I struggle to draw much needed breath. Reaching down to my waist, I untied a satchel and lifted it to my face as I inhaled the herbs within. It felt like eternity before the contraction loosen and I was able to freely breath again and I let a long breath in relief. Large amount of strain in the morning did not treat my health well.
"Lad, those blighters d'not know first thing about sieg'n." The carefree tone as well as the accent tells me it was Elegor whom was coming from the wall passage from the other tower. His smirk was a telltale sign that he enjoyed the killing. The expression, however, faded when he saw my hand clutched to my chest. "Tis getting bad isn't it? Be telling Netty (Netoji) to not strain ya self too much. Wouldn't do ya much good if ya be wheez'n each time s'one give ya mean looks."
I shook my head in response. "It's OK. I don't think I will collapse anytime soon...I know my limits and Netoji won't let me go over if it can be helped." I offered the veteran sniper a brief smile.
"If ya say so, 'member. Best to rest each time, ya go jump'n up towers and shoot'n raidas." He waves before going downstairs. I simply shook my head against as I watch him disappear. But what if it is urgent enough that my marksman will make a difference in battle? Despite my handicap, I was the best archer of the settlement, even surpassing Elegor despite having spend less time training on it. Can they still count on me in the times of need with this ailment? These doubts continue to gnaw at me as I replace the longbow back on the rack.

-=The law of inverse desire=- The chances of dropping what you want is the reciprocal of how much you want it.