His father immediately seized on the opportunity to change the subject. Pulling out a metal chain from his pocket, he offered it to Orn. “This is for your plaque. The little clip at the end will fit the hole on the end. Usually, you get this on your pathday, but we…” He gently took his wife’s hand “we did not expect that you would get a combat path. So, the soft gold one we prepared was not really appropriate. Fortunately, the headman’s son became a priest, so I was able to get the silvered steel one he did not use.”

Holding out the chain he added. “Well go on. Put your plaque on it.”

Orn felt heat rising in his cheeks when he remembered he left it on the table next to his bed, “I did not …”

As if by magic Olivia appeared next to him holding out the plaque in her hand. He saw the corners of Olivia’s mouth twitch from the corner of his vision. I did not even notice her come around the table.

He took the offered plaque and attached the chain. He would try to make sense of the mysterious maid later.

“We never did go over your skills yesterday. Why not do that now? Everyone would you give us a moment. “

The staff nodded and began exiting the room. Olivia left last slipping out the main door. She winked at him as the casually closed it behind her.

Show off, Orn thought as he watched how easily she closed the door.

Once everyone had left, his father asked expectantly, “What skills did you get?”

“None” Orn said nervously playing with the chain in his hands.

His father nearly choked on his eggs. “What?!”

“None.” Orn replied looking between his confused parents.

“Everyone is given skills, as part of their path.” His father stared at him blankly. “All knights should have skills for a weapon, horse riding, armor… “

Orn shook his head. “I do not have any skills.”

His father’s expression became pained. Looking to his mother Orn could see she was holding her husband’s hand in a white-knuckle grip. “How are you supposed to be a knight if you do not have any skills?”

“There must be something.” his father replied quickly, turning to Orn. “You are a knight of a Goddess.”

As Orn did not immediately respond his parents turned to look at each other.

“Have you ever heard of that happening?”

“No, is this even possible?”

Orn cut into their back and forth. “It does not matter. I do not have skills, but I can learn them.”

“You cannot just learn skills” His father replied flatly, “you are given them by the goddesses. It is not like cards or reading. Skills define your path; they are essential to ...” His father trailed off searching for the correct words.

“I can.” Orn was not sure how, but he knew in an almost instinctual way. “I can learn any skill, not just ones for knights. The blessing allows me to do anything if I work to learn it. “

His father looked dumbfounded.

“Only children who have not chosen a path can do that. The way I …” His mother suddenly trailed off looking away.

Orn tried to sound calming, “I know it might sound strange, but it is because of my goddess. She does not give skills or make you stronger.” His father’s expression turned to one of horror, so he hurriedly added, “In exchange, I am not limited by them. I will grow as long as I work hard.”