Orn raced to the yard, where Kao was waiting for him.

“You did not bring any weapons.” she smiled mischievously, “I hope you do not think you can win empty handed when you can barely swing a sword.”

He shook his head and rambled through an explanation of trip. “So he said we have to go now. I asked to wait, but he said we cannot. So I asked for a minute and ran here…”

She looks surprised and a bit… sad. Orn’s thoughts trailed off when he saw her expression. Is she lonely?

Kao’s eyes narrowed, “Are you pitying your goddess?”

Orn panicked. He swallowed dryly and his mind raced. He was feeling bad for her, and she was mad about it. He did not know what to say, he could not lie since she could read his mind. He was at a loss for what to do.

Kao’s expression started to crack, and she began to laugh at him, the facade of anger melting away.

Orn felt the fear melt away, replaced by exasperation. With a barely suppressed groan he muttered, “You were messing with me… again.”

“Yes,” Kao replied smiling her eyes alight, “you are getting harder to pick on, so I have to enjoy those moments when they present themselves. Have fun with your father, it will be good for you to see more of this territory. Besides, you were reaching a point where you were not growing much from our sparing. Your relatives will help you grow if in a different way though.”

“Still not going to tell me what that means are you?” Orn said shaking his head, and knowing the answer.

“Not a chance.” Kao’s smile widened, “but they will be helping you with your training.” Her expression softened, “They will also help you learn to relax. I already told you that the great pattern is shifting. You need to be ready, not so tightly would you crack under the pressure. You do not need to train with me every day, learn to enjoy life a bit you are only a child once.”

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“So, I will not see you for a while?” Orn thought he did a good job keeping the emotion from his voice. What would he do without her? She was the only person he told everything.

“Nice try, but I know you are sad to see me go.” She grinned, and he once again considered how annoying it was that she could read his mind.

Her tone changed from condescending to consoling, “I will not leave you completely alone. You should still practice with me when you get free time. If you ever need me, just pray. I am a goddess; you can always reach me.”

Orn sighed internally, she was erratic, and picked on him at every opportunity, but he had come to enjoy spending time with her. Even if her favorite past time was trying to kill him.

“You should also take a couple weapons with you.” she interrupted his thoughts, “You do not need to be ready to fight an army, but not everywhere is as safe as you are here. I recommend the hunting knife and side sword, and of course your bow and arrows.” She added the last while rolling her eyes

He listened carefully and nodded in response to her instructions.

“Now receive my blessing for you trip.” Kao lifted her head back with an air of arrogance and pointed to the ground. It was clear she wanted him to kneel.

He resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he took a knee and bowed his head. As he did, he thought back to the last time he did this. Without thinking about it he felt the heat rising to his cheeks. Do not let her notice…

“How bold. The knight expects a kiss.” Kao’s taunting words made him flinch.

He did not expect it, but some part of him would not have been surprised. Would really be nice if she could stop reading my mind. Orn thought as he waited for whatever was going to happen.

He saw her step closer to him. Then bending down she whispered in his ear. “I actually, cannot read minds. Your thoughts just show on your face a lot.”

He looked up mumbling “What?” as she stood back up.

“Go with my blessing. “ Kao said as she flicked him in the forehead, and before fading away laughing.

Orn rubbed his head and slowly got up. She got him again, and she had been doing it for over a year…