Our Jhansi ki Rani is also an ace shot!! Here's the update.....😊
Part 7~~Cute Cupid!!😉
KM stood in front of the stand where the Sheriff was sitting with his son and boisterous coterie.
He looked at her and said...who are you lad, state your case!
KM in her gruff manly voice:
I'm John of Dhulwadi...a small town that you may have never heard of sire!! But I am an expert archer and would like to compete with your best folks here.
When KM's Dad heard her voice, his head shot up and he looked at her with a relieved smile on his face..he knew that his girl was up to her tricks and would plan to rescue him soon, but at the same time he was worried about her safety just like any father would be.
KM glanced around casually meeting her father's eye, and said: Sire, if I win..would you grant me whatever I wish?.
Sheriff laughing loudly:
My lad, that would never happen...and if it did, then yes, you may have what you wish for!!..
KM bowed..
thank you sire, let my skill speak for itself!...
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There were several competitors of varying skills and KM soon proved that she was among the best as she easily won the earlier rounds. In the final event she was matched up against Nalayak, the Sheriff's son, whose incredible archery skills were unmatched. He was rumored to be able to shoot down running game with unflinching accuracy even with his eyes closed. KM was confident that she'd have no trouble defeating him, so when he asked her to choose between a stationary or a moving target she chose the later. Nalayak, impressed by the young lad's bravura, bowed before him and the contest began.
There were a total of ten rounds, each one more difficult than the previous one. KM was brilliant as she scored a perfect score in each round much to the amazement of the watching crowd and especially the Sheriff, who had not long ago realised that KM was really not what she professed to be. He was disturbed at the crowd's response whose cheers for the young prodigy steadily grew louder and louder. Soon, a worm of suspicion began to take shape in his mind. The last round involved shooting a live, moving target, which would usally be a small animal. But the sheriff ordered his men to set up one of the prisoner's as the Target and said that the ultimate test of loyalty would be to follow his orders which was to shoot an arrow through the man's heart while wearing a blindfold. A hush settled over the crowd as they watched and waited and they let out a loud cheer as KM deliberately missed her Target by a yard. She could never take the life of an innocent man, no matter the consequences.
Nalayak gave her a mocking smile as he took aim.. When Km realised to her horror that he meant to sacrifice the poor brute, she ran and knelt in front of the sheriff..Sire, I accept defeat. Please spare the life of this innocent man..he deserves a trial!
Sheriff: ( enigmatically
),I'll let him go only if you reveal your true identity my lad..because I know that you are not what you represent..
KM was caught in a bind..she knew that if she said the truth all would be lost, but then if she didn't...
Suddenly there was a loud commotion behind her and a knight in silver armor came riding up on a huge black steed and shouted: STOP! Noble young man, if the sheriff allows I will fight for your cause and compete in the joust!
Sheriff:
Who are you knight and why do you want to fight for this young man, who is he to you?
Knight ( SR):
Sire, I like to fight for truth and bravery and this young man has impressed me with his courage and I would like him to get another chance if you would allow me. I will reveal my identity at the end of the tournament..you shall not be disappointed!
Sheriff a little put off:
Go ahead, but on one condition; if you lose, then you will become my prisoner because I don't like being told what to do..
SR looking raised his hand reassuringly towards KM pleased to see a worried look on her face: You have my word Sheriff,..if I lose I'll be your slave!
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Edited by simiv - 15 years ago