I gazed into the horizon as I walked down the road, buoyant that I now could see the great gates of Zultra, the capital of the land. It was the 6th day since I had left home, a home that was being ravaged by barbarians, my mother's last act towards him was to shove his pack at him and send him away so that I could live. Her last words to him shook him to core with their power, "Atozoky, these men want nothing more then to erase life and hope from people, your best way of getting back at them is to live. Live well and remember your village and your mother, when the the time is right revenge will be had. Living well is your best weapon against men such as these. Now go my son!"
Lost in my thoughts as I walked the birds drew him out with a lovely spring song. I had always felt a deep connection to all creatures and the land. At times he could lose himself in the glory of the forest, often making friends with the most unlikely of creatures. When I was but a young child, I ran across a bear cub and its mother, not realizing the danger bears represented I approached the cub and started playing with it. Instead of protecting its cub, the mother bear watched content as her little cub played with me, thus beginning a deep friendship of creatures that normally are a danger. When my mother found me rolling on the ground wrestling with the bear all she could do is stand in a combination of shock and fear until it was over, and then I waved and said goodbye to my new friend.
Most people liked him, I was personable, kind, and easy to get along with, yet when I started approaching his teens things started to happen. I was walking along the road outside his village and came across a traveler who had fallen off his horse, and had a broken leg. Sensing what was wrong I approached and went to help, as I was setting the bone I felt it snap into place and heal, it left me winded but the leg was healed. The man was terrified and claimed that I used magic on him and told me to leave him alone and that magic was evil. while I never told anyone of that incident, things kept happening. When it was cold and I thought of how nice a fire would be, things would catch fire, sometimes causing great damage as well. I couldn't explain it, and I didn't understand it, yet it was my secret and I had to keep it, and tried to not let his thoughts run free.
"Son, what is your business in Zultra?" a burly guard asked, bringing Atozoky from his thoughts.
"Sir, I hope to learn to fight for the Zultran Guard" Atozoky replied.
"Ahhh" the guard started, "We can always use new Guards, what is your name son?"
"Atozoky sir, from the village of Kelta"
The guard thought for a minute, a sour look on his face, "Son, I am sorry about what happened to your village, the scouts brought word in 2 days ago. The whole village is destroyed, it is a wonder you escaped the carnage."
Visibly disturbed, I thought for a moment before I replied, "Sir, I appreciate your kindness, but that is also why I wish to join the Guard. I wish to someday spill the blood of the men who destroyed the life and hope of my village."
"Son, while I understand your desire for revenge, do not let it consume you, down that road leads only to destruction. Should you become a guard, you will need your wits, and not to be consumed by hatred and revenge, because decisions in war can often be picked for the wrong reasons, and you do not want to become what you hate." he stopped to think a moment, "You look quick and agile, as long as you keep your mind and wits sharp I feel your future in the Guard will be bright."
Smiling Atozoky looked around taking things in, "Thank your Sir, if you could point me in the right direction of the barracks, I would be eternally grateful."
"Of course," the guard found himself grinning, "It is just through the gate go two blocks and you will find it. Oh, one more thing. Tell them that Guard Tomas sent you."
"Thank you Guard Tomas, I appreciate it, and I won't let you down!" I said as I started through the gate.
As the young man walked away Tomas felt as if there was something different about that man. Something he could not quite put his finger on, and it surprised him how fast he warmed to young Atozoky, sweeping his eyes back to his post he put his thoughts away and again went looking for threats.
With piercing green eyes, Atozoky took in, and absorbed the city. The sights the sounds, the smells. Zultra the city of Life, the crown city of the Zultran Kingdom. Alot of history from this city. I felt that I could stand and absorb the life and history all day, but that wasn't what I came for, I thought as I turned and entered the barracks.
"Hello Sir, I am here to enlist in the Guard." I said to the Guard behind the desk.
"Sorry Son, we are not taking recruits right now." the guard replied evenly.
"Why not Sir? I thought the Guard always needed recruits?" I replied somewhat puzzled.
Sighing the Guard explained, "The King has decided to downsize the Guard, says that the Kingdom is the safest it has been in centuries, and it is time to use the money that paid to keep the Guard strong to other projects."
I was clearly confused as to what has happened went on, "So what does that mean Sir, how can we protect our borders and keep people safe with a downsized Guard?"
"Son, it means we keep smaller garrisons in each city, and send fewer patrols out to the borders, our King has never steered us wrong in the past, so while it may be frustrating have faith."
"Guard Tomas told me to tell you that he sent me." I said in a last ditch effort, trying to sway his decision.
"Tomas is a good man, and no doubt he sees a good Guard in you, but as I said, we are not enlisting now."
"Sir, is there anyplace in the city you can recommend?"
"Well, there is an Elven quarter in the northeast corner of Zultra, perhaps they can help you."
"Why the Elves?" I asked with wide eyes.
Letting out a big belly laugh, "Son, the Elves value strong, fast agile fighters. You fit that mold perfectly and I can see intelligence in your eyes. Even if we were recruiting here, you are too smart for just and enlisted Guard, you have the look of an Officer."
Shocked, I mulled over the Guard's words, "Well then Sir, I will give these Elves a shot, I thank you for your honesty.
"Son, you had best get out there and make your way to them."
"Thank you Sir."
"It's Guardsman Jon, Atozoky." He said with a smile.
"Thank you Guardsman Jon, I really appreciate the time you gave me," I said as I turned to leave the barracks.
Stomach growling I stopped in the square and pulled out some travel bread and jerky from his pack, wetting the hard bread with water from my waterskin, I began to eat and think about what had happened so far in my first day in Zultra.
All the streets of Zultra were paved in solid granite, almost like solid snow covered ground speckled with pepper. The main drag was wide enough for 2 wagons to pass by at the same time with room to spare between and on either side, while there are potted plants and some trees, the landscape did not seem alive. Yet as I closed in on the Elven Quarter the plant life went from being sparse to being a lush, dense fixation of plant life. It echoed of balance, it felt as though it was the art of nature. The buildings appeared to be made of the finest craftsmanship, of the hardest wood, almost as though it was grown from a tree itself.
"A-Hem"
Startled out of his thoughts Atozoky stood face to face with an Elf. He was a lean figure of solid muscle, but it looked as though it complemented his speed, and agility, barely giving away his position, as he seemed to appear out of thin air. His slightly pointed ears and earth toned jerkin, pants and boots gave him almost an ethereal quality.
"Human" the elf said forcefully.
"Yes?"
"You are to come with me immediately," The elf demanded.
"Why, where are we going, what did I do, I wa----"
"SILENCE" The elf cut him off, not by yelling but forcefully, "I was sent to retrieve you, it was easier since you blundered right into me, but you have been summoned, and you will come quietly with me."
______________________________________________________________________________________
The elf just left me in a little room in what appeared to be the center of the quarter, it appeared to be a meeting hall or something similar. The room while snug was comfortable, like everything else I had seen here, it was vivid earth toned, the table and chair were well made but out of a wood I just couldn't place, which was odd since I had spent most of my life in the forests of Kelta. Time slipped by without much meaning, while I was eager to find out why I was stuck in this room, I was not eager to have a judgment passed on him for something I isn't even sure I committed, since I does not know what I may have done wrong.
After what seemed like hours the door opened, and in came a female elf who motioned for him to get up and follow. She took long fluid strides almost as if this walk was a dance and the tune was her soft almost inaudible breathing. Dignified and noble, she moved with such grace that I thought she must be a Queen, but then that is silly, since the King of Zultra would harbor no Queen in his city, if there was a Queen she would be dressed regally in the palace, not dressed in brown and green leather, a short sword on her left hip and longbow on her back.
I dimly recalled taking in the rest of the sights, passing the other elves, who stood rigid, and silent, almost as if they are saluting the mysterious woman leading him. when abruptly she stopped and turned to face him. "Here young human, you will meet the Elder, you can think of his as your equivalent to a governor, but more. It is not something easily explained, nor would you truly understand it if I told you. The Elder has words for you and you will listen attentively and not interrupt the Elder, for that is not permitted. Enter this room, and may your heart be true," she spoke the words firmly but not like a lecture, but she made me feel like I needed to do this eagerly to please her.
Pushing the heavy door open, I stepped into the room. The room caught him completely off guard, expecting a lush and lavishly decorated throne room or a room on that idea, the simplicity of it all stopped him completely. The room was circular, with a skylight letting the suns rays fall on a carving on the center of the floor. The Tree of Life, carved into the floor absorbing the light almost sang to him, it pulled my attention from it to look at the cloaked figure walking towards him. Sensing the need to bow to this figure, I quickly if awkwardly went to my knees and bowed.
"Rise Atozoky of Kelta, there is little use in bowing and scraping for another being. I am Ignic, Elder of the Elves here in Zultra. You may wonder why you have been summoned to us, you may think that you have inadvertently caused us harm." Elder Ignic pushed back the hood of his cloak to reveal his face. "Look into my eyes so I might assess your spirit young one."
I rose and looking into Elder Ignic's eyes as commanded, and felt him scour my very being.
"Hah. As I thought. You have the soul of balance, the ability to walk the line and do as you must..." trailing off he began to look troubled. "You have the ability to do much good in this world, yet you retain the ability to be much evil, the choice is yours, as are the consequences of those choices. You alone will bear the brunt of what happens, you are a dangerous man, Atozoky of Kelta."
Puzzled by his statements, I waited to see if I would be permitted to speak my questions. As if reading my mind the Elder said "Speak, my child, I will answer what I can, but I do not have alot of answers for you."
"Sir, I desire to bring much good to this world, to live a life as well as I can and to bring the beauty of life to everyone I meet."
"A noble cause, yet it may not be all possible, a great shadow lingers and threatens the life of all."
"How can I further myself and make life better for all? My mother sent me to join the Guard but I was turned down, and sent to the Elves."
"Ahh well yes, there is much trouble, the King here sees what is and not what will be. Currently the land is in a Golden Age of peace and life, yet in the near future that may not be so, yet the King only has eyes for the present. And the Guards even if recruiting, would not have kept you."
"Why?"
"The answer lies in the wind, I can offer you but one thing."
"Elder, what is it you can offer me?" I asked impatiently.
"You can perhaps learn to be a Druid, young one." he said as he gazed deeply into my eyes penetrating the darkest depths of his mind, "Go now, Cyaria awaits you."
With that the audience ended and the elder lifted his cloak back over his head, and disappeared in the room. As I turned to open the door, it opened on its own accord, and I stepped out into the hallway of silence. Everyone looked at me intently, making me uncomfortable, when the woman who led him stepped up and spoke, "Atozoky of Kelta, I am Cyaria of Neullin, and I am a Druid. Follow me."
_____________________________________________________________________________________
I did as I was told and followed Cyaria through the building and outside, I spent my time trying to recall what little I knew about Druids, they were close to nature, they served a balance in themselves and the land. Ie thought they had access to magic, but that was silly magic has been dead in Zultra for centuries, man has carved his own destiny since the death of magic. They left the city and started heading towards the forest in the northeast, towards the great mountains.
"Do you have a nickname you go by young human?"
"Some people have called me Ato in my past, others Zoky, but I like Toz the best."
"Okay, Toz it is. A Druid’s life is far from easy, you may have to make quick decisions that can spell the life and death of others, you must always let reason rule your decisions, matters of the heart rarely make effective governing to the world."
"How will I be trained?"
"However you train yourself, we do not govern our training. Each druid has needs that they need to fulfill, and things they need to learn. Other druids will help guide you, but what you learn, and how you learn it is completely up to you."
Shocked I mulled it over, "Well I definitely need weapon training, so that I can take revenge on the raiders of Kelta."
Sighing, Cyaria looked at me and seeing fury in my cold green eyes, turned away. "We cannot make you a druid, it is you who becomes the druid, all I can offer is weapon training and that will take place at the druid encampment not far from here."
Not waiting for me to answer Cyaria turned and started heading away from the city, as she wondered why Toz knew nothing of his heritage.
"Why can't you teach me of the ways of the Druid?" I blurted out, unable to take the silence any longer.
"You will begin training with swords tonight" was all she said to me.
More confused then ever, I continued to follow Cyaria, when suddenly the encampment appeared in front of him. I looked around baffled, not understanding how they got here without him even seeing the camp. I then deduced that it must have been hidden by magic, yet magic does not exist anymore. Frowning I decided it must have been hidden by magic because I would have seen it if it hadn't been.
"Do not be so naive, Toz. Just because you did not see it before now does not mean it was hidden by magic. Look how everything is built into the nature surrounding it, perhaps it looked natural enough for your eyes to just bypass it and therefore not see it," she hated lying to him, but knowing that he cannot know about magic yet, this was the only course of action.
Looking at what she said, I did see it blend in somewhat but since I was unable to decide if she was messing with him or telling the truth I meekly said, "Of course Druid Cyaria, that must have been it."
As they approached a sentry appeared almost out of thin air, I struggled to follow what his movements had been. "Sister Cyaria, so good to see you again," the sentry clasped hands with her.
"And you Brother Mikkal, anything odd occuring here?" she looked around from where she was taking in it all.
"No sister, all has been quiet. We have received word from the Elder telling us to make room for young Atozoky."
"Good, I would have hated for word not to have preceded us." she turned motioning for me to come forward, " Atozoky meet Brother Mikkal, Mikkal Atozoky. He will be staying with us for a while to learn how to fight, then he must be off to take care of urgent business."
Both Mikkal and I looked at her and said "I understand, Ma'm" Yet my face betrayed my confusion.
"Mikkal take him to his tent, and then bring him to the practice field."
"Yes milady" he said with a quick bow acknowledging his dismissal, while also in the same motion beckoning the young human to follow him. Elves tend to live long lives, so they think of an human as young, no matter how old they really are. I really did not know alot about elves, they rarely came to Kelta, in fact I only could remember one elf ever coming and I was very young then. The stopped at a tent and Mikkal looked his way, "This is your tent, you bunk with Kass and Hirken. Toss your gear inside and follow me."
I quickly took off my pack put it in the tent, and turned to follow Mikkal. "So, you know anything about weapons?"
"Well I have hunted with a bow, and and chopped trees with an axe, but I would hardly qualify that as knowledge in weaponry."
Chuckling, Mikkal replied, "You might be surprised, yet you may not be. Most people forget that hunting animals is very much like warfare, to be successful you must be stealthy, have a steady hand and resolve."
"I see," was all Icould say, still digesting Mikkal's words. I didn't have long to digest as they arrived at the field. And Mikkal led me to what looked to be an instructor of sorts.
"Hello Mikkal," the elf said.
"Hello Armsmaster," Mikkal replied and motioned for Atozoky to come forward. "This is Atozoky, Cyaria and the Elder wish for us to see what skills he has, and to build upon them. He is to become a warrior."
"Is that so Atozoky?"
"Yessir, Master Armsmaster. I came to Zultra to become part of the Guard but I was turned away, and told to see the Elves."
"Yes, Yes," the Armsmaster said while rubbing his chin, "You know that we do not pay in coin, but our payment is the gift of knowledge and by giving you the ability to survive in almost all conditions."
"No, Armsmaster I did know, but I will gladly learn all I can and hopefully be a benefit to you."
"Mikkal, go get two practice swords, it is time to test him." Mikkal nodded, and then left to grab two swords from the rack. "Give one to Atozoky and attack him."
The sword felt strange yet comforting in his hands, unfortunately never having handled a sword I was unsure how to even begin using it. I watched Mikkal stand watching me, then Mikkal lunged forward, with a sweeping swing aimed at my head, suddenly time slowed and i could see what he was doing and had the urge to dive to the right. As I came up in a crouch my sword was in position to parry the next blow, which gave a narrow opening which I took being utterly ruthless, kicking Mikkal hard in the stomach. I then brought my sword down and touched it to his neck before he had a chance to process what happened.
In stunned silence they looked at each other, and the Armsmaster broke the silence, "Very good Atozoky, we were under the impression you had never handled a sword before."
Stunned with what happened and myself, I dropped his sword and replied, "Sir, I have not. This was the first time I have handled a sword, yet it felt as though I have always used one."
Clearly baffled by the events both elves shook the shock from their eyes, and the Armsmaster motioned for Mikkal to hand the sword to him, "Let us try this again, shall we? This time against me." He dropped into the ready position as he regarded me warily, knowing how I had dispatched Mikkal with a quick kick and killing blow to the neck. Feinting high and then lunging for the opening at my left leg, he grunted as his sword met mine. "You are quick for a human," he grunted.
Feeling the Armsmaster's next move more than seeing it; I took a quick step back and then angled my sword to parry the next blow. As the two wooden swords met I quickly let the Armsmaster’s sword slide off as I dove to the left. Then I rolled and turned to meet my foe again, completely giving myself over to this inner fighting magician, to call it instincts would seem to unreal. Something came over me where I saw each move and countermove and my body responded in the best possible way to each action. Duck duck parry, slash slash parry duck, the battle raged on. With my concentration completely on the battle I did not even see the crowd gathering, watching the fight. It felt as though it were a dance, both of us gave and took ground, seemed to move so fluidly and graceful. Every opening was met with a parry or dodge, counterattacks and heavy breathing. I felt his concentration slip, as my body was hitting it endurance limit of a near 17 year old, I saw the blade coming and my exhausted body could not parry it in time.
Crack, the blade struck him in the midsection, a killing blow and with the wooden sword snapped into two, an extremely painful blow that brought him to his knees. The crowd stood in rapt silence, as they watched the armsmaster tossed his broken sword aside and pant heavily. The Armsmaster's gaze never left me Atozoky, still unsure how a human could move like he did. As agile and quick as an elf, with the instincts of a blade master. "That was a spirited bout Atozoky, it was my toughest fight in years. Well done." As he finished the crowd started clapping, it became a thunderous applause which was clearly shaking Atozoky.
Still panting I staggered to my feet and shook my head in disbelief, "I am a simple villager, I do not know how or why we fought for so long. I think you went easy on me, Master Armsmaster."
The Armsmaster sighed, "I do not give praise unless it is warranted. Son, I had to give that fight my all, any less and you would have won. You battled hard and like a blademaster, I am unsure how I beat you."
"All I did was rely on my instincts, I do not know how to describe it, yet at the end I felt myself lose my concentration. I saw your move before you swung but I could not respond."
Seeing that the battle was over the other warriors went back to their practicing, but abuzz with what they had just witnessed it. A human very narrowly losing to the Armsmaster in a duel, a very realistic duel. All but one left the audience, Cyaria stepped forward and spoke, " Atozoky that was fighting unlike any I have seen in recent memory. Yet I have never seen a human fight against a blade master as a blade master."
"She is right, there has never been a human blade master who could match an Elven blade master, yet first time with a sword and you almost best one. I fear what kind of fighter you could become."
Angrily I sputtered, "But I am not what you think I am, I just got lucky."
"Half of all battles are won with luck, but there was more than just luck in the way you fight. Go to the cookfires and get some lunch. After we will see what you can do with a bow." The armsmaster dismissed him, and motioned for Mikkal to take Atozoky there. Once out of earshot he angrily turned to Cyaria and shepherded her to the tent that served as his office. "What is this about Druid?"
She looked at him evenly, "Dakru, whatever could you mean?"
"He is not all human, what have I been given? What is the meaning of this!?"
"Surely esteemed Armsmaster you recognize the way he fights?" She probed.
Glaring at the Druid as hard as he can, trying to figure out how he got tied up with her Druid schemes again. "Yes I recognize his fighting style, but it was used by an Elf not a foolish human."
Sighing she said, "Dakru, you already said he is not entirely human, that is half the answer."
As she took a breath, Dakru spoke, "You mean this is..." he trailed off in disbelief.
"Yes it is, the son of 'the druid'."
"Does he know he is half elf, that he is the son of a druid?"
"No, and you won't tell him either. We cannot influence his choices, he is too important for us to mold into our own wants. He must chose to right the balance, or to completely destroy it. He has potential to bring great changes for both good and evil. We must not push him, lest he choose the wrong path and forever cripple the world."
"Bah, Druid talk, what is your role in this?"
"I am to make sure he receives proper arms training, which judging by his sword work he is pretty well off. Also I am to make sure he is treated well among us, and taught some of the ways of the elves. When he is ready to leave he will leave, or we will have to leave him."
"I see, have you found out who attacked Kelta?"
"Yes, his father sent a force there to destroy him." She answered grimly. "I trust you can keep this silent, we can not afford for him or his father to know the truth, just train him like you would train any other elven warriors. I am sure it is within your powers."
_______________________________________________________________________________________
At the cook fires, I turned to Mikkal, “Did I do something wrong? Today has been a whirlwind and I fear I understand less than half of everything that occurred.”
The words of the human shook Mikkal out of his thoughts and sputtered, “No, you have done nothing but what was asked of you. Fault if it is to be given, would have to go to others.” Confusion must have been prevalent on his face, so Mikkal continued, ”You have to understand, I, myself, cannot give the Armsmaster a battle like that. Your speed and reflexes were extraordinary, even with a rough form.”
“But I am just a sim…” I began but was cut off.
“Clearly you are not,” Mikkal interjected forcefully. “No, no you are most certainly not. We are done discussing that, let us take our meal to our seats and discuss what your agenda will be with us and how you will repay us.”
I was startled to notice they had made it through the serving line and others were eyeing him curiously. With more than a little wonder he thought, since they normally do not have Humans around them. “Ok Mikkal lead the way,” I tried to say diplomatically.
The cook fires were massive, and organized. For an operation this large for humans would be pure chaos yet here it was almost a simple and elegant, a place for everyone and everything. Suddenly Mikkal stopped.
"Sit here" he said simply.
The wooden tables were smooth and finely finished almost as if they had been grown into its final shape. No bindings or joints to be seen, just a finely crafted bench and table. Looking at his utensils they too are made of wood. A certain feeling of harmony and balance, and I looked at his plate and saw the food. "No meat?" I asked.
"Meat is a gift that we do not always receive, we hunt the overpopulated and the weak but never in excess or else we shift the balance. And everything we do must be in balance.”
“Ok, so are you now my keeper?” I asked.
“No, I am,” came a voice from earlier in the day.
“Cyaria?”
“Yes, now enjoy your meal we have a lot to go over today.”
-----
“HEY TOZ, WAKE UP!!!!” Hirken yelled very loudly in Atozoky’s sleeping form.
“Uh uh, is there a fire, why are you yelling?” Atozoky groaned sleepily. He shook his head as if trying to shake the sleep out of his body.
“It’s dawn buddy, time to eat and then I hear you have your Archery test with Huntmaster Frekkan”
An audible groan came from my blankets, “Let me sleep I am exhausted from my testing with the Armsmaster…”
“Oh, I know. You want me to go get the Druid, Cyaria to get you up.” Hirken said slyly, “I think she is around here somewhere…”
I exploded out of his cot and hurriedly dressed, “No, no, no. That will be unnecessary, let us go eat.”
Covering a snicker for the extremely rough looking human after just waking up, he said, “Alright Toz, let us go. I heard we get ham with our eggs today!”
Just hearing him say ham, caused me to smell the air, and notice the bustle of the camp. For a small grouping of Elves they were busy and alive in their routines. Most of them were eating and discussing various topics, although many stared at him. I shifted uneasily, not used to being the focus to attention. In Keltan I was just a sixteen, almost seventeen year old who is on the cusp of adulthood.
Beginning to feel self conscience I shifted uneasily in the chow line, energy just seemed to crackle around me. And as quick as it was, it was over and Ino longer felt that energy. It just left me even more confused.
I was still nervous as I sat down with Hirken. Archery test was going to be brutal and I still did not know what was going on and why the Druid and everyone else that I have talked to. The rest of the Elves seemed bitter and resentful of me. It was not fair all I wanted to do was avenge the death of my mother and the destruction of his village. A voice brought him out from his brooding.
“Atozoky, you should eat you meal, and fast. Druid Cyaria is coming to collect you for the Huntmaster.”
I just grunted in acknowledgement as I shoveled his food into his mouth. Not wanting to waste time talking when I did not know when I would eat again.
“Toz, it is time” Cyaria spoke.
I silently got up and grabbed my tray as I follows the Druid. Dropping the tray off at the return station I followed grimly. We swiftly moved through the camp, but I realized now it was more than a camp. It was a town of the Elves, on the outskirts of the mighty city of Zultra, lay a thriving Elven community, it made me wonder how much my fellow humans realized about their tall, lithe, allies.
As I followed, I began to notice most of the other Elves being deferential to her, she moved like royalty and being a Druid must make her an important piece in the hierarchy. ‘This is so surreal’ I thought to myself as we made our way to the range.
We arrived and a younger looking elf approached and said, “Druid, please take your Human to the private range and have him select a bow and 10 arrows, all of his choice.” The elf did not even look at me as he spoke to my keeper.
Leading the way, Cyaria spoke, “Come Toz, you heard the assistant, let us get you situated while we wait for the honored Huntmaster”
I just nodded and followed her. In the public range there we about a dozen shooting lanes, all with a double thick wall of hay bales 200 yards downrange. The bales where stacked twelve feet high to try to catch any stray arrows that might happen to be shot by a… He trailed off not able to figure out who could shoot an arrow 200 yards and having it over twelve feet at that distance. This early in the morning there were only 2 people out on the range, both bowed slightly as they acknowledged Cyaria and completely ignored me. After dealing with this treatment for almost half a day I have begun to tune it out. I have always had an uncanny ability to tune out distractions, so that’s what I did and I tried to mentally store everything for a later date.