Azul sighed."People will talk themselves to death.It’s best if the Great Khan wins, so root for him."
The first round.
Standard target, fifty paces.
Somadina stepped up.His form was perfect.He had been through numerous tutors' rigorous lessons and so was an exceptional archer.The arrow flew.
Bullseye.
The crowd applauded.Somadina acknowledged it with a modest bow.
Ragnar took his position.He drew the arrow smoothly, held for half a breath, and released.
The arrow struck Somadina's arrow, splitting it down the middle.
There was a beat of silence.Then an uproar.
"What—" Nkiru gasped.
Azul smiled.It was Somadina’s folly to think he could beat a man of the Steppes in archery of all things.He should’ve suggested fencing.
Somadina's expression flickered; he said something to his attendants that made them scramble for fresh arrows.
And just like that, the game was on, round after round, still and moving targets.Each and every time, Somadina was perfect, but each and every time, he still lost.
It pleased Azul greatly to see the ugly look on his face.
By the last round, they were on horseback, rushing past the targets at a set distance.
Somadina was fast.His arrows flew in quick succession, each finding its mark.Three bullseyes in the time it took most men to shoot one.
His horse slowed, and he turned to Ragnar with a smile that suggested victory.
Ragnar nocked his first arrow.Released.The first target's centre exploded.
Second arrow, faster than the eye could follow.The second target's arrow split.
The third arrow was released before the second had landed.The third target's arrow shattered.
The display was beyond what most men could comprehend; both men were great, but one was clearly better.
Ragnar lowered his bow and rode towards the royal pavilion.
Towards Azul.
He stopped before her, dismounting, one knee dropping to the ground, his eyes fixed on her face.
"Khatun."His voice was low, meant only for her."I come to claim my prize, if you're willing."
"And what prize would that be, Great Khan?"She chided.
He reached up and tapped his mask.
The crowd leaned forward.Nkiru made a small, squealing sound.
Azul propped herself on her arms.Leaning up, her lips brushed the ivory where it covered his cheek."I bless you with many more victories, Great Khan; you will not lose," she said, beaming.
When she relaxed her body, settling back into her cushions, Ragnar's eyes had gone dark.
