chapter four/car

Peter slumped agaist the ground in exhaustion, not even caring that the wed mud would stick to his face. Weary and breathless, he was ready to admit defeat. Light footsteps caused Peter to turn to his right, expecting Heena. However, it was the same blond little boy whom he had been standing next to an hour ago. 

"Supposed to hit the board with a catapault isn't it?" they boy asked haughtily.

"Well, it doesn't take a genius to figure that out," Peter grumbled, pointing to the catapault ad the pebbles which were scattered around him-his futile attempts that were mocking him. The black pebbles were as dark as his chances of winning the challenge.

"I know the way out of this, mate,' the boy said casually.

"You do?"

"Of course," he smirked,"but what do I get by helping you?"

"You do realise you are blackmailing the Prince of Feraine?"

"Well, consider the offer withdrawn," the boy turned away and started heading out.

Peter's mind raced. What can a five year old want? Not much, probably candy. Nothing more right? With those thoughts, Peter called out to the retreating figure,"All right, you win. Now tell how to solve this."

Slowly, the lad turned on his heels and grinned. Then he introduced himself as Ryan and proceeded to explain." You see master Heena told you to use a catapault to hit the board but not which one."

"So?"

"Well your mouth is a catapault too. Get it?"

Realisation of his folliness dawned on Peter.

"Oh and that is master Heena's first lesson:Listen," Ryan said as Peter got to his feet,"now where are my hundred gold coins?"

To say Peter was shocked was an understatement. Sure, hundred gold coins was not much to him but to give it to a five year old? What was he going to do with it? Inundate his house with candy? Who knew? Well, he had to keep his promise, didn't he?

"Collect it from my guard in an hour," Peter gave instructions to the boy who gleefully skipped off. Peter himself was also gleeful at the prospect of meeting his raven beauty the next day. The thought sent a burst of energy to Peter's heart.

The next day, Peter ambled off to his lesson quickly. Heena dismissed the children for the day and started walking off. Suddenly, a rather familiar voice bellowed," forgot something?" Turning around, Heena came face to face with Peter who was leaning on a tree casually, rocking on his heels. He sauntered towards her with a glint in his eyes.

Heena met his eyes with a cool facade that concealed the fast paced pounding of her heart. Her palms became clammy. Had he figured it out? Heena thought with trepidation.