The trip to the village was more direct than the one Orn had taken the year before. Without the hunters leading him in circles, they entered the village late on the second day.

Aunty woke him early the next morning to his new routine. Mornings were spent doing the chores in the garden, and evenings were spent in the forest with Uncle. But, if he finished his chores for the morning he could have the afternoon to himself. Thought this usually resulted in his cousins dragging him to play.

“That should do it,” Aunty gently lifted and shook the basket full of thorns, “After spending a morning working with it, can you tell me what this plant is?”

He looked from the basket of spikes to the bush he cut them from. The leafless plant seemed to be made of thorns.. “I have no idea.’

“I would have been more surprised if you did.” She smiled, “It is pain powder. Tomorrow you will help me make some, but this is enough for today.”

…

Grabbing his bow, he went to look for his cousins on the back hill. They usually finished before him and were always playing there. Jomie saw him first and waved him over. “I just shot so it is your turn to roll.”

The younger boy tossed Orn the ball and stood beside his brother. Orn dropped his bow and looked at the two. “Ready?”

When Gorud nodded, Orn rolled the ball down the hill, and started counting.

Once the count reached ten Gorud spun sending his arrow racing towards the ball. The arrow hit with a loud clack, and Gorud raised his bow over his head. “I am the best.”

Jomie rolled his eyes, “At being a loudmouth maybe.”

Gorud, shoved his brother gently before tossing the boy at him. Then running to get the ball he yelled back, “Orn it is your turn.”

The boys continued to play as a pair of familiar faces walked over to join them. “Hey, Orn.” Taen said patting Orn on the back. “I have not seen you since last year. Welcome back!”

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“Thank you.” Orn held up the ball, “Joining us for a game?”

“Absolutely!” Krem took it smiling. “Who is on my team?”

A few warm-up shots later, and Krem called a halt to the game. “Taen, watch Orn pull his bow. Orn try another shot.”

The older boys watched Orn draw his bow, and send the arrow downrange at the now stationary ball. The arrow hit the ball, raising Orn’s mood a bit. I know it is not moving, but being able to hit at this range is a lot better than I was doing last year.

“I see it.” Taen nodded. Then turning to Orn added,“You need a new bow. It looks like you have outgrown that one.”

Orn blinked. “What?”

“You need a new bow.” Krem smiled at him, “It looks like it is time for you to give up the kids bow and make one of your own. Congratulations!”

In contrast to the smiling older boys, Gorud’s face was impassive, while Jomie was grimacing.

None of them would tell him why it was such a big deal, but they all agreed he should talk to Uncle right away.

...

The hunter was sitting at the work bench checking the straightness of an arrow when Orn walked in the yard gate. “What is it boy?” The man asked as he stared down the shaft of the slowly rotating arrow.

“They said I have outgrown my bow.” Orn rubbed the back of his neck. “I am not exactly sure what that means though.”

“This is a first, most children decide they have outgrown it long before they have. You might be the first, waited for someone to tell them.” The hunter smirked, and placed the arrow on the work bench. “Alright slowly draw the bow and hold.”

Orn did as he was told, easily bringing the string back to his cheek.

“Alright, now slowly ease it back.” Uncle said watching his movements closely.

Once the string was back to its starting point, Uncle smiled. “Yes, you have definitely outgrown it. Unstring it and place it against the wall. I will see if someone needs a training bow later. But for now, we need to get you started on your first real bow.”

“This is a big step. Leaving your childhood bow behind is a big part of growing up. I am proud of you, and I am sure your parents will be as well.” Uncle smiled brightly and tussled Orn’s hair.