Edmund goes back home and a few hours later, his father comes back home and causes a racket. The door slams and a yell resounds throughout the house, “Edmund!”

Edmund's eyes widen. Crap, dad's home. He thinks in a panic.

Shocked, Marsha drops the ladle into the pot, causing a clatter.

Edmund hurries down to the front door. Seeing his dad open the door, he anxiously opens his mouth, “Dad! I can explain!”

“Shut it! Come here.” Edmund's father says.

Edmund bows his head and approaches with his head lowered.

“Do – you – know – how much that bow costs! On a whim you take it home! Like an idiot!” Edmund’s father says before walking over to a chair to sit down, huffing out heavy breaths.

“Edmund, listen to me, I’ll be feeding that man fish for six months! Six months, do you hear me? Where am I going to get all that fish? I’ll have to work my men overtime just to keep up supply. And you just take it home without a thought!” Edmund’s father exclaims with exasperation.

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Edmund continues to keep his head bowed.

“Hey, Edmund, look at me.” Edmund’s father says, waiting for Edmund to raise his head. “I know we’re a little well off, but you can’t go around doing whatever you feel like. This world has rules, and everything operates according to certain principles. When a boy takes home a heartwood bow without thinking, his father has to pay the price.” Edmund’s father says with a shake of his head.

“I’m sorry, dad.” Edmund says.

Edmund’s father lets out a sigh. “It’s okay. Go to your room.” He says with a wave.

…

…

Even though Edmund somewhat regretted his previous impulse, he was still glad he had the bow. He always had a fascination with bows and he very much wanted to master it. So, out in the backyard, Edmund had set up a target and stood a fair distance away.

Edmund raises the bow, keeping his arms steady and his fingers loose. He aims, pulls back the bow, lets out a breath, and releases the bowstring.

**FWHOOOM**

An impact his heard and the arrow lands to the side of the target.

That’s no good. No good at all, young warrior! That’s not how you use a bow! You aim with your heart and only release when there’s a connection with your mind! That’s how all warriors do it! Tell me, when you’re in the middle of battle, will you prepare your stance, carefully aim, and let out a breath before each shot? No! You, you must act in an instant!

Edmund lets out a frustrated breath. When Edmund had picked up the bow, the warrior spirit from the previous day had noticed and tagged along for the ride.

“I might not always have the time for it, but if I do, you bet your ass I’m going to aim!” Edmund says bravely.

No, no. Edmund, on the field of war, your targets are not random objects. No, they are people! When an arrow is aimed at them, they will sense it in their soul! They will act accordingly, Edmund! That’s why a bow must be wielded frivolously. It must be moved by the heart and released by the mind. That way, you’ll always hit your target.

Edmund lets out a breath. He had to admit, the warrior spirit made a little sense.

“It’s just that, I don’t feel like I can aim that way. I at least have to learn the fundamentals, right?” Edmund asks.

The warrior spirit lets out a breath.

I suppose you must learn somehow. I’ll let you be for now, but keep it mind, Edmund, and aim with your heart.

Edmund lets out a smile. “Yes, sir.” He says, hoping to someday learn about it.