We slept the night at the inn. I had my own room – I am sure my dad would be happy to know that! Admittedly, it was very weird, sleeping alone in a strange place. I sneaked across the hall and listened to the boys’ snoring through the door to their room, it made me feel a bit safer. I did sleep, but not for long. I was up early, before them, and went out to look at the town and practice a bit.
I need to learn to use my knives, so that I will not get in trouble at close range again. I didn’t want the boys to see how bad I am with my weapon, I’m sure they’d have a right laugh, so I went up to where I have seen the town guard house and used their straw dummies. I felt better after… I might not be graceful with a bow, but at least I know what end to point at the enemy now, hah!
I did shoot my bow for a bit also. I feel confident enough, I can feel my body getting used to it. I do not have much strength, I mean… when Toby throws a spear it goes right through a man, it’s scary. I can’t do that, but I aim faster now, and I don’t often miss. I need to get better at shooting whilst running… I mean, I have been used to shooting rabbits, so I’m not bad at it, but the terrain in the forest is rather different from the soft fields I am used to. If we stay in Combe for a while I shall get plenty of chance to practice and improve my balance.
I went back to see if the boys were awake, and to have some food too, I was starving.
We didn’t head out until after dusk, the cover of darkness would help us get through the woods unseen. Toby and Blake had done their best to convince me of the necessity of killing these bandits, but I was still feeling a bit shaky. It is not like last time, where I didn’t realise what was happening until I had fired my bow. This is different, I am seeking it out and it is nerve wrecking, knowing we are about to go into the forest to kill these men. The boys think I am soft, Blake said as much. Why is it so hard to toughen up, when it seems so easy to them? Well, I shall just have to set my face and turn my mind off, though my worry is for what is to come when I am next left alone in a dark room with my own thoughts. Growing up is harder than I thought it would be!
