บท 44: Flashback: A Different Kind of Father

William was stunned, staring mutely. Surely he had misunderstood. Was that duke actually offering to help him? He wasn't going to yell at him about how he should be utterly ashamed of his complete lack of skill?

William paused to consider this strange turn of events but then found himself slowly nodding, drawn in by the kindness in the man's tone. Duke Robert gestured silently for him to pick up another arrow. William did so and then felt the duke's firm hands on his shoulders, straightening his spine and positioning him slightly differently.

"I struggled with the very same problem at first. The trick, lad," the duke said in his low, lilting voice, "is to always aim slightly higher than your target. The further you are from the bullseye, the higher you need to aim."

"B-b-but - but how do you know how much higher to aim, sir? What if your arrow misses completely and goes over the target?"