Chapter 61 - Duel old rusty vs. the young and spoiled

Chapter 61

As we were gathered outside, a crowd started to form. The area we were at started to look like one of those old Western movies. The dusty plains stretched endlessly under the amber glow of the sunrise. 

The crowd of onlookers had gathered near the corral, eager to witness the challenge between our two skilled friends. 1 rusty traditional warrior, the other a modernized homestead spoiled brat who, somewhat rusty, still tried to be true to herself and had finally found her way home. 

Lined upside stood Matilda, her stance firm on the horse, ready to go. She twirled the unfamiliar chakram in her fingers. 

On the other side of her was Cailian - once roper, now out-of-practice warrior ready for the starting gun from Duke.

A single calf stood in the corral, ears twitching, ready to bolt. Across the open field, five wooden targets had been set up, their painted bullseyes daring Matilda to prove her skill.

"The first to finish their task wins," Duke called. Matilda, remember to hit all five targets for you to win. Cailian, rope the calf; you're done once he hits the ground. On the count from 3!" Duke shouted. 3...2..1.GO!!! 

The moment the signal was given, Matilda moved first, her horse racing down the dirt path.

She snapped her wrist with an experienced reaction, most likely based on muscle memory from whipping and roping cattle in her past. Sending the glistening chakram whizzing into the air. The metal ring spun as quickly as a hawk diving for its prey, piercing through the first target with a harsh bang!

Cailian swore under his breath, "Damn," and was jolted into action. He swung into motion, coiling his lasso, and his eyes locked on the calf, which had already begun to dart away from his horse.

Matilda didn't slow down; she quickly retrieved the chakram, adjusting her grip before hurling it again. Second target - hit. She smirked. "It's not bad for using an unfamiliar weapon. Come on, Cailian, the calf's not even old enough or mature enough to be classified as a sire. He's still about a wee babe, slow and not too much trouble!" She mocked.

"I don't want to hear it. You have three targets left!" Cailian huffed.

"I'll get the other two targets before you get that calf roped! She glared at Cailian, sure of herself, as she pulled up on the horse's reins and spun around her horse, which did a complete 360 turn.

"That is a cool move." Evan admired!

"So you are questioning your pick?" Kaysi asked.

Nah..no.... I am not sure Cailian is still going to win. 

Cailian, grumbling, sprinted after the calf. His boots pounded against the dirt, kicking up a cloud of dust as he swung his lasso overhead. The rope whistled through the air—but missed.

Matilda didn't even look at Cailian. Her chakram flashed in the light as she relaunched it. The third target—shattered.

Cailian cursed again. He repositioned, his heart pounding as the calf twisted and turned. The animal was quick and unpredictable. He felt the eyes of the thicking crowd on him, their murmurs feeding his frustration. "Come on, this ain't my first rodeo."

Matilda's fourth throw was rushed. The chakram clipped the edge of the target but didn't hit the bullseye. She hissed under her breath - "now is not the time to mess up now."

Cailian took his chance. He swung the rope once more, muscles remembering their old strength. This time - he had it. The lasso looped around the calf's neck, and he pulled the animal to a halt with a sharp tug.

Matilda had to make it this throw count. 

Focusing, she inhaled deeply, eyes locked on the target. With one swift motion, she hurled the chakram, its edge catching the last gleam of sunlight as it spun through the air—

"Bullseye!" one target left as Matilda's horse ran!

The crowd cheered as the final strike landed, lined up Just seconds before Cailian was to secure the calf fully.

Matilda turned and hit the final target, breathless. Wiping sweat from her brow, she looked back at Cailian. "Looks like I win! " she shouted as she shook her fist in the air.

Cailian scoffed, but a slight grin tugged at his lips. "Guess I'm rustier than I thought." - As he pulled the final knot secure."

She tossed the chakram in the air, catching it smoothly. "Or maybe I'm still just that good."

The two nodded in respect. The challenge was over, but I think their rivalry was far from settled. "I am sure these two will keep each other in line."

We ran over to them. Micah patted Matilda's back! "Good job Matlida we knew you could do it."

"Okay time to pay up!" Becky smiled at the other team.

Matilda and Cailian shook hands. "You can definitely come with us to the tunnels. And I'm not going to lie I need a little practice. But maybe you could help me out with perfecting my skills." 

"I think we both could learn from each other. I need to learn what it's like to take care of my people and be a good Chief like you are. I want to be able to earn the people's trust again." 

Cailian and Matilda smiled at each other. "All right" Cailian waved. "I think it's time for us to pack up and take off."

Everyone gathered their belongings and went towards the mayor's house. This was to meet up place where we were going to go into the tunnel. 

"Teams one and two you have your maps and soursense. Once in the the tunnel we will go to our areas and report back to us if you find anything."