Chapter 10

Amelia knocked on Jeran's door. They followed the instructions on the letter, enabling them to locate the house easily. After a few knocks Jeran opened. He smiled at the trio.

"Hello" he said

"Good morning" they greeted

"Come in please"

Amelia looked around the house. It was small on the outside but quite big and attractive on the inside.

On their way here Amelia had told Helen and Edward how she met Jeran and how he helped her train. They promised not to tell anyone.

Edward's mouth hung open when he saw a bow and arrow on the wall. He marveled at the sight.

It was made of the finest wood he had ever seen. He noticed a target on the opposite corner.

"Oh my gosh" Edward said in admiration "Can I touch it please?" He asked Jeran

"Of course. You can use it" Jeran replied

"Really?"

"Yeah. Help yourself out"

"Thank you"

Wasting no time at all, Edward grabbed it and proceeded to focus the arrow on the target. He aimed at it for a while then shot it hitting the spot perfectly.

"Tea, anyone?" Jeran asked as he brought a tray containing tea and cookies for each of them.

They all sat down and ate

"So" Jeran said "what are your names?"

"I'm Helen"

"I'm Edward"

Jeran nodded

"My name's Jeran"

"Nice to meet you" Helen said

"Likewise dear"

"Do you teach at our school?" Edward asked

"Not really. I'm more or less a sidekick. I'm only called when work is needed to be done"

"How come?" Amelia asked "you're very talented. They should employ you"

"I wish it were that simple. Tell me, how has school been?"

"It's been good" Helen said

"Except for Ingrid and her stupid minions" Edward added

"Who's Ingrid?" Asked Jeran

"Ingrid is a little spoilt rich brat who thinks she can control people with her money" Helen answered

"You forgot to add smart and really pretty" Amelia mumbled

"Oh please" Helen scoffed "you're way prettier and smarter than she is"

"I agree" Edward said, his mouth full of cookies

"I want you to promise me one thing" Jeran said seriously

Three of them nodded

"This bond you have is very rare. I see you people in school even though you might not notice. Promise me you'll have each other's backs no matter what"

"We promise" they said

"You're going to be faced with a lot of challenges along the line"

"What challenges?" Helen questioned

"You'll find out" Jeran replied

Edward spotted an apple on a table

"Hey Jeran, mind if I use your apple?" Edward asked

"Why not"

Edward took the apple and placed it on Helen's head.

"Don't move" he told her

Amelia laughed. Helen's eyes widened in horror when she saw him take his bow and arrow.

"Oh no!" she exclaimed "you wouldn't"

Amelia clapped her hands in excitement.

"This is gonna be so fun" Amelia said

"Do not move" Edward told Helen

Edward moved back further then positioned his weapons,aiming for the apple on Helen's head.

Beads of sweat rolled down Helen's neck.

"I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die" Helen cried "Jeran! You're not going to stop this?"

"Nope" Jeran replied

He remained unbothered as he flipped through a magic book and casually sipped his tea.

Edward looked closely a little longer before releasing his arrow. It hit the top of the apple.

Helen sighed in relief.

"Told ya" Edward winked

"You're good" Jeran told Edward

"Thanks"

"But you lack stamina"

"How so?"

Jeran stood up and walked towards Edward.

"You aren't in full control of your weapon. You seem scared. Spread out your legs"

Jeran spread Edward's legs a little then straightened his back.

"Hold like you're about to shoot"

Edward did as told and held his weapons aiming for the apple.

"You have to pull your arms with more force before you shoot. Raise your head a little too so you can see the exact spot also move the bow a away from your eyes a little bit."

Edwards heeded to all these instructions.

"Always focus on the object carefully like your life depends on it but not too slowly in case you're in danger. Speed and accuracy is the key to archery"

Edward nodded listening to all he said

"You ready?"

Edward nodded

"Now shoot"

Edward shoot towards the apple. This time, it hit the middle

"Whoa" Amelia exclaimed

"Wow" Edward said "thank you"

Jeran patted Edward's shoulder

"You're welcome"

"Can I remove the apple now?" Helen asked with a look of fear on her face

They laughed at her expression. Helen removed the apple and proceeded to read a book she found on one of the shelves.

That's how they spent their afternoon, in a peaceful manner. Edward went outside to practice his shooting skills on trees.

Helen read as much books as she could with Jeran's permission

Jeran and Amelia talked over a game of magic checkers.

They agreed to meet every Monday and Friday to practice. He told Helen and Edward they could join in too but they should wait for him at the entrance of the forest because the woods are filled with dangerous creatures.

It couldn't last for long, the time was 3:30 which meant they had to leave

"Can't we just stay for a little bit more" Helen whined

"Football practice starts by 4. Amelia needs to go and we have to be there to cheer her on" Edward reminded

They packed their stuff. Edward was about to return the bow and arrow to its position.

"You can keep it" Jeran told him

Edward's face lit up like a boy who had received presents on Christmas.

"Really?"

"Yeah. You need it more than I do"

"Thank you sir"

"You all can come here anytime but please no one must know I'm helping you. Its forbidden for a teacher or worker to take private lessons for students unless instructed to do so" Jeran said

"Yes sir" they replied

"Come here" he said opening his arms for a hug. He embraced them in a tight bear hug.

"Enjoy the rest of your day" he said

"Thank you"

"He's really nice" Helen said as they walked to school

"Yup" Edward agreed

"We've got to stick together just like Jeran said" Helen told them

"Of course" Amelia said