The carriage ride home was less exciting, since he knew where he was going. Instead Orn stared out the window as his father drowsed in the other chair. Staring at the trees he thought back to his hunting trip. Not terribly successful.

He spent most of the night rushing after Uncle who would periodically stop and point at something. Sometimes it was a plant he needed to identify, or signs of an animal that he should look for. If it was a small animal Uncle made him set a trap. In the end, Orn was exhausted and saw Uncle use his bow once. Checking the traps on the way back they caught sight of a rabbit that managed to escape Orn’s trap. Uncle pulled the bow back and let the arrow fly in a single smooth motion. Orn had been shocked by how fast and smoothly the man drew the bow

Orn shuddered, the sound the rabbit made when it was hit, is something I can do without hearing again.

Pushing the thought away, he considered what he had learned from the trip. He had also seen the Uncle move silently through the leaves and sticks.

I tried to copy the way he moved so quietly. Instead the entire hunt and tip back to the inn might as well have been accompanied by a large bull. Orn grumbled internally, annoyed by how much quieter everyone else had been. I stepped exactly where they stepped and moved like they did. So why was it I am the one who broke twigs with every step?

Trying to avoid fixating on how bad he was at everything they showed him he tried to look at the positives. I now know several dangerous plants to not touch, and how to set traps, even if I cannot it do it well...

Aunty and Uncle taught me a lot. Even saying it to himself, he noticed the conflict with what everyone had told him. They were both teaching me. There is no other way to put it and even they said it was teaching! But father said you cannot learn skills… This does not make sense.

The sight of a fence between the trees pulled him away from his thoughts, Home!

He excitedly looked toward his father only to realize he was asleep, I should probably wake him.

Orn gently shook his dozing father’s shoulder, “Father we are home.”

His father’s eyes blinked slowly as looked at Orn blurry eyed. Then the words sank in, causing his father to smile widely and stretch.

“Father you slept the entire ride. Are you feeling well?” His father was usually an early riser, but he had all but drug himself out of his bed the last few mornings. He then fell asleep almost instantly when he got to the carriage.

“I am fine. I just stayed up later talking with the other adults after you went to sleep.” He tussled Orn’s hair, “I appreciate the concern, but I am not old enough to need you worrying after me.”

Orn’s mother and Olivia were waiting at the door when the carriage came to a stop. Orn stepped out of the carriage only to be swept up in his mother’s arms.

His mother then did her usual search for injuries. Finding none she let him go. “Did you have a good trip?”

He nodded. Some of it was rough but I think it will help me get stronger.

His mother’s face scrunched in an odd expression before turning to his father. “Did you have…”

Her question was cut off as his father lifted her off her feet in an embrace similar to the one she had swept him up in.. He must have been waiting for her to finish talking with Orn. “Nope. Not even slightly. I was away from the most beautiful woman in the world for too long.” He spun her around before giving in to her protests. Gently placing her back on her feet he kissed her.

Orn rolled his eyes at his flirting parents and turned away. He noticed, Olivia was helping the coachman unload the bags, and moved to help. If only to get away from his parents.

An oddly tired looking Olivia smiled as he started taking weapons and bags off her hands. Trying to balance the things in his arms he asked, “Are you feeling well Liv? You look tired.”

Olivia started to speak, but her eyes glanced over his shoulder and the words died on her lips. Clearing her throat she announced, “I will take this inside.” Then without another word she grabbed a bag, and marched into the manor.

She was scared, Orn felt a chill run through him, nothing scares her.

Turning slowly, he saw his mother smiling widely, “Let your father take your things. You are behind on your lessons.”

Orn physically shrank, at the word lessons.

That evening he learned that his studies now included learning to dance. He also discovered that with him out of the house, his mother had redoubled her efforts with Olivia. His mother was going to turn the maid into the member of the family they all saw her as, or kill them both trying.

[Orn’s father the night before]

“Come on, just one more hand.” He pleaded. “It is not that late.”

“You say that, but I swear it will be light soon.” The innkeeper slid the cards back across the table to him.

“I must agree,” Homles said standing. “I think the misses will worry if I am not home soon.”

He knew they were right, he just wanted to play a few hands. He idly picked up the cards and placed them back in their box.

“Do not look so disheartened, you can play when you and the young master come back though.” Holmes said throwing on his coat.

He nodded and wished them good night. How can I tell them that I do not want to play with my own son? Do I say he cheats more than I do? Worse! He is doing it even with the spelled cards. There is no way I can just casually mention that he is defying some sort of divine power. Sighing and shaking his head he slowly headed up the stairs.