“Already?” Orn asked looking up from his breakfast.

“I said it would be the next time I see them.” his father looked at him shrugging, “I am surprised you are not more excited. You have never left the manor grounds. I thought you would be thrilled.”

His mother then added, “You will also have children your own age to play with. It must be strange to not have anyone your own age around.”

Maybe it was the pranks, or the way they bantered between rounds, but his mind went to Kao. The goddess looked like a child his age. Truth be told she often acted more like one than he did. Thinking on the time spent with Kao it occurred to him that she was the closest thing to a friend he had.

No, she is a friend. As he admitted the fact to himself, Orn considered what it really meant. My only friend was a goddess who tries to kill me most mornings. There is definitely something wrong with me…

“You are doing it again.” His mother was squeezing his hand. “You get lost in your own thoughts as much as some old men. “

“Sorry, mother …” Orn muttered as he recognized the concern in her eyes.

She let go of his hand and shook her head. “It is just a few days. You will get to see some of the territory, and it will be a good way to see how well you can travel. You will need to travel across the kingdom in a few years to attend the Academy.”

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“I think you will enjoy it. I saw you using a bow the other day, and I think you will fit right in.” His father smiled.

Orn was a bit unsure what to think of this trip. His parents told him very little of his relatives other than they were nice people. Even Kao had been cryptic. When he asked, she just smiled like she was in on a joke, one she did not feel like sharing.

“If you say so…” he knew it had been decided, but he was not sure how he felt about these mysterious relatives. He also had to admit he was not sure he wanted to leave the manor. It had been his home for so long. He knew it was silly, but he felt nervous about leaving. “I will go pack.”

“Not to worry, I asked Olivia to pack your things earlier. We will leave as soon as we finish breakfast.” his father winked at him “That way we can get an early start and make the village before nightfall.”

So that is where she is… Orn froze. Yesterday, as he did every day, he promised to meet Kao ‘tomorrow’. She was always waiting for him. He could not just disappear on her.

“What is it Orn, you look like you swallowed something sour?” his mother looked at him concerned.

“I… Does it have to be immediately?” Orn stumbled a bit, “Can we wait until later or maybe tomorrow?”

His father was taken aback by the question. “We need to go today. We are expected and need to keep to the schedule.” His brow furrowed, “Why is there something you have to do?”

“Not quite, it is…” orn struggled for words. What am I supposed to say, that there was literally a goddess he promised to meet in the back yard?

“Or someone you need to speak to?” His mother asked smiling.

Orn gulped not noticing the sarcasm in her voice.

He did see the lights come on in her eyes though. Turning to her husband, “It will not put you too far behind if Orn gets a minute to see his friend before he leaves.”

“Of course not. Orn go tell your friend you must go on a trip. We should be back in a week or so. Now hurry we still need to leave soon.” His father shooed him from the room.

Orn nodded and made for the door. Once out of sight he ran toward the yard where Kao was waiting.