Victory day 23

Who would want to celebrate the day your parents were killed, the wretched day when you lost everything which you first thought you had. We are supposed to put out our performances as if we hadn't seen the horrors of our dear and near lying dead. Majority of us have changed ourselves into separate identities. We all play the characters of dreadful people who betrays our kind. We are the lucky ones as they call us given an opportunity to serve them. Furthermore, we are those broken women, listening to our bellies instead of our hearts. The minute I entered into the court, we are greeted by warm colors everywhere. Everyone looking their personal best. They were all staring at us. We are all looking prettier than before. Even I look beautiful thanks to Mina.

First thing I spot is several cages placed besides the king. They were the finest species of falcons I had ever seen. I have seen my share of them in the forest during my hunting days. I even fancied myself to own one as a pet. But me being responsible for another mouth to feed was a terrible idea in itself,, so I dropped it. "You know these birds are given honor today by being in here. It was Lucien's idea. Speaking of Lucien, he can't take his eyes off you today ", she said. I followed her eyes and found him looking at shoes as though he couldn't be bored anymore. I looked at her doubtfully. She mouthed he was totally watching you. I dismissed her altogether and focused my attention on the court.

They dedicated tonight in the honor of the brave lycans who passed defending their kingdom. I wanted to boo the man but decided against it. They listed the atrocities committed by humans as if it justified them taking us from our home. There was a loud screech from the special guest, who was more beautiful than the rest. "It's the favorite bird of Lucien, it is calling his master ", she whispered beside me. How she gets to know all these details is beyond me, must be Ramiz.

"It's time for the ladies to entertain us tonight ", said the minister. The old fellow looked at us, rather sneered. It looked as though he was rejected by one of us. Slowly all of us moved into lines, I could see myself stared by Lucien and Igor simultaneously. I decided to ignore them. The next turn was of Mina, she smiled at the audience and began to sing melodiously. Her performance stood out among the rest. I know she will get the special award. Finally, it was my turn, I was presented by a decorated bow and arrows.

I gracefully accepted to get this done with. When I aimed at the easy target placed before me, someone spoke. "Why is the whore not dancing? ", it was the same minister who snapped at us earlier. "Your honor, I demand to know why her shooting is so much appreciated while an average soldier shoots better than her. She is a whore why is she training with our warriors. She doesn't deserve it. Likewise, she is a good shooter but not exceptional. I want you to think, your majesty is it wise to have her running around amongst the training lycans to distract them", he concluded.

I have never been this much insulted in my life. Not only that, but I was quivering with rage. I wanted to kill this vermin with my bare hands. I only wished that I was stronger. "You heard him, pretty girl. Will you dance for us? Keep those arrows away", said Igor, his eyes dancing over me. Lucien was looking at a point above my head. It looked as though he too was trying to control himself.

"I would like to apologize my lord,, but I didn't know how to dance or sing. This is all I know ", I told him, showing my bow. "I wanted to prove to my lord and everyone here that how good I'm of only you won't miss them", I said. Igor nodded his head, his eyes still in my body I wanted to gag.

"Could anyone lend me a black scarf ", I asked the girls? They were all too shocked to notice,, but Mina gave me hers. I took it and walked towards the cages, I opened them all. The birds all flew outside and were flying around the court in circles. The girls cried when one of them flew too close to her. I threw the scarf in the direction of the minister. He caught it and looked at me suspiciously. "Tie this around my eyes and make sure I don't see anything ", I told him. He tied too tight, I was afraid he cut off my blood flow. He moved back afterwards. I couldn't see a thing. I haven't practiced it enough,, but I have done this many times for me to count before coming here during my hunting days.

"I held the bow above my head and took a giant breath. The arrows began to flew from my hands, and each time I could hear be piercing screeches of falling birds. I know all my arrows were struck on the birds, and I haven't missed any so far. I put down my weapon after the ninth bird fell, leaving the big bird which was a pet of Lucien. But I didn't hear any applauds, only shocked voices. "Is she really a human ", lycans started talking with each other.

"That was some serious archery I have seen in my life. You got all except Lucien's bird", said Igor. I hadn't untied my eyes yet. "I haven't missed it, my lord. I only let it live because it was your son's pet", I told him. "How would I know you are not lying, maybe you missed it", said Igor? "I would happily prove it to you if you want me", I told him. "Alright, you may ", said Igor. I waited for a second and the bird screeched at the right time, my arrow left my hands and the bird fell on the floor with a thud.

I removed my blindfold to see the bird laying near the feet of Lucien. He gently took it in arms and left the court. He cast me a look full of hatred and anger before leaving. I held my ground and ignored him. There was a gigantic applause following his exit. I bowed my head a sign of respect. I knew my killing of the bird would come with great price,, but I have proved myself and that's enough.