The inn’s hallway seemed to narrow when Orn’ father closed the door behind them. Without the light from the room’s window, the hallway was dimly lit. The only source of light came from the main hall behind and below Orn, casting shadows on his father’s face.

Orn swallowed as his father’s angry face took on a sinister hue, in the light.

The count let out a slow breath, and looked down at his son. “Explain.” Despite the level tone, the word echoed in the space.

Orn resisted the urge to flinch as the echoing word seemed to carry physical weight. “I…” Orn’s started only for his voice to crack. He coughed and clearing his throat started again. “I could not let the priest hear the goddess’s name. So I asked the boy to draw everyone's attention. I only needed him to yell or distract everyone for a moment. I did not expect him to take it so far. I only offered him a piece of hard candy. I felt bad about how big the scene was, and gave him the full bag.”

Orn’s rambling was cut off by his father raising a hand. In a single motion, the rest of Orn’s excuses died unspoken.

“Orn I am not mad about,” he paused as he considered the words then corrected himself. “ Actually I am not happy about that either. The boy’s name is Rory. He is one of us, his blood is on the stones the same as yours or mine, and you used him as a tool. Worse, you did not even know his name.”

Orn shrank as his father paused to let the words sink in.

“Did you see his parents, Carrlin, and Orrie? Did you see their expressions as their son made a fool of himself in the ceremony? Well?” The words prodded at Orn. “Did you?”

The pained expressions of the horrified couple, instantly came to his mind. Orn slowly nodded as he thought about how uncomfortable they looked after the ceremony, and how hard they tried to avoid eye contact with the crowd. They were within arm’s reach and did not even see me.

“You did that to all three of them and you did not even know their names.” His father’s voice never rose, and there was not a hint of anger in his voice, but the words seemed all the more powerful for it. “I know you keep to yourself. You have been like this since you were small, and it is likely our fault. Your mother and I were so worried something would happen that we rarely entrusted you to anyone else.”

Orn noticed the pained look in his father’s eyes, and looked away. Orn kept is eyes on the floor but felt he had to refute his father’s claim. In almost a whisper Orn began, “No. You,” he swallowed. “It is not your fault.”

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“Then who is to blame?” His father’s voice seemed tight as if he was hurt. “We clearly made a mistake in not having children your age around you. There is no time now, as the Academy will start soon, but when you return I expect you to make an effort to learn more about our people.”

The sound of someone coming up the steps caused his father to stop speaking.

“Good afternoon, Jorrie,” his father said, in a light tone. “To be smiling like that the goddesses must have been kind with their paths.”

“They were mi-lord,” a happy voice replied as the footsteps neared. “Torren, is a blacksmith. If his initial skills are anything to judge by, he will be a master blacksmith like my grandfather.”

Orn watched as the man’s feet passed them in the hall.

“If he follows in that path the village’s iron works, will become the envy of the kingdom.” Orn’s father continued.

The man laughed, and opened a door. “You are too kind, I was actually coming up here.” the voice faded for a moment before becoming clearer. “I wanted to give him my grandfather’s chain. I hope it will help him on that path.”

Orn heard the door close with a click.

“I am sure he will. Please do not let us hold you up.” Orn’s father added as the man walked past. “Give Torren my conflagrations.”

“Thank you, mi-lord. I will.” Jorrie replied. Moments later Orn heard the man’s steps on the stairs.

Orn glanced up to see his father staring at the end of the hall waiting for the sound of the steps to dissipate before continuing.

After what felt like an eternity, Orn’s father spoke again. “I expect you to make that right later.”

There was something about the way his father spoke made Orn know more was coming.

“I actually came out here to speak about what your friend did to Emmy.” Each word came out measured but Orn could hear anger creeping into his father’s voice for the first time. “I have given you a great deal of leeway in religious matters because of your circumstances. I realize this was a mistake.”

Orn refused to look up as his father paused. Staring at the wooden floorboards, Orn heard his father take a deep breath and slowly let it out.

“Orn your sister had the path of a noblewoman. She is happy now, but her life will become much harder because of what you did. You have been sheltered from the cruelties of the word to the best of our abilities, but do you remember the way cousin Olrich treated your mother?”

Orn cringed at the thought of the priest, and his rude comments to his mother.

“I will take that as a yes. I cannot...” his father’s voice tightened again and he had to clear his throat before continuing. “the thought of what she will may have to got to this is painful. If you have any pull with your friend ask her to change Emmy’s path back. Or at least ask her not to intervene again. You have just hurt your sister Orn. I am cannot describe how disappointed I am in you.”

Orn’s vision blurred and he could feel himself shaking slightly, as tears dripped onto the floor below him.