Champion by Marie Higgins

Author:Marie Higgins
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Marie Higgins
Published: 2018-02-25T16:00:00+00:00

SEVEN

Archer held back his enthusiasm as he tried to keep a straight face. Not even a fortnight ago, he had made this kind of shot. It was not difficult for him at all. In fact, he thought he was rather skilled at the sport. He’d been the best in archery when he lived in Loxley, and even during the Holy War. The king had called on Archer’s skills quite often.

Slowly, he placed the arrow in the bow and studied the target, acting apprehensive about the shot. But in reality, he wasn’t. He could do this in his sleep.

Out of the corner of his eyes, Phillip raised his arms and turned toward the crowd. “I’m willing to bet,” he said loudly, “that this man cannot make the shot. In fact, I’m so confident that he will miss, I’ll double my previous bet. Who’s with me?”

Archer bit his cheek, trying not to grin. Now there was more incentive to win. Over his shoulder, he glanced at the beautiful Payton. Sadness dominated her expression as she rubbed her forehead. He wanted to hold her and reassure her in his own way that all would be well. He would be her champion...always her champion, for as long as she wanted him.

He found it strange to think how attached he’d become to her. Not having the slightest notion about what fascinated him about her, he allowed himself to be lured to her side. He wanted to make her smile, to hear her laugh, and to see the excitement dance in her lovely hazel eyes sprinkled with specks of gold.

Many people placed their bets—siding with Phillip. Archer almost felt guilty for taking their money. Almost.

Once the money was collected, Phillip turned toward him and motioned his hand at the target. “You may now proceed oh mighty greatest archer who’d ever lived.” He repeated Payton’s words with a haughty laugh, and the crowd joined him.

Archer loathed arrogant men like Phillip. Indeed, he was too much like the Sheriff of Nottingham, and Archer couldn’t tolerate that. Whereas he had to bide his time with the sheriff, for fear the so-called man of the law would strip Archer of his title and lands, here in this new world, there was nothing stopping him. He would make this man eat crow if it was the last thing he’d do.

Without saying anything to the insipid man, Archer turned back toward the target and took aim. Once more, he studied his goal, which of course made the crowd restless.

Just as he steadied himself, a movement out of the corner of his eyes made him notice Phillip fidgeting. Archer inwardly chuckled. He was certain the foolish man did this to distract Archer. Well, he would have the last laugh.

He released the arrow. As it soared through the air, the crowd hushed. Just as Archer had suspected, his arrow sliced clean through the one Phillip had shot, cutting it in half as it settled dead center in the bullseye.

The energetic crowd cheered, but it was Payton’s squeal of happiness that softened his heart, making him smile.

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