CHAPTER 19

  The next morning, Tirr once again sat as he pushed the mornings food around his plate, a look of deep reluctance on his face. Garm lay nearby, still asleep and oblivious to the difficulty his master was going through.

  Maria could only sigh as she watched Tirr’s expression. Her grandmother and Lina had both left to collect herbs, leaving her here to handle Tirr. He had woken up that morning looking determined, as if he had made an important decision. But as the morning went on, his determination slowly faded, leaving him in his current state again.

  Maria sat quietly and enjoyed her tea. They were expecting the Investigation group to arrive soon, and she knew Tirr was struggling on how to greet them. Lina had told her yesterday about how he had spent the rest of the day asking the other children about apologies. Just the thought made her chuckle again, drawing a grimace from Tirr.

  There was a sudden knock on the door, causing Tirr to jump. Maria gave Tirr once last look before getting up and heading for the door. Tirr stood up himself, putting on his usual arrogant look as he waited.

  Maria soon returned followed by Claire and one of her maids. As soon as she noticed him, they both gave a polite curtsy. Tirr cleared his throat dramatically and was about to speak when Claire started first.

  “Good morning Tirr, I want to once again apologize for my behavior and disrespect yesterday. It was unbecoming of my station as princess and representative of the Rasor Kingdom’s interests. I can only promise you that I am deeply sorry and that it will not happen again.” Claire stated with a contrite look on her face.

  Tirr choked back his own apology, somewhat frustrated she had stolen the lead. “I already said it’s fine so why are you apologizing again? And where are the other people at?”

  “Sir Elrik is following your Village Head to take witness accounts of the battle for his report. I told him that I would handle today’s matter with you because I wanted to apologize once again and thank you for your forgiveness and understanding in these circumstances.”

  “It’s not a big deal, I’m a forgiving god, so you can just forget about it already.” Tirr replied still flustered. “Besides I…” He stopped as Claire took a small wooden box from her maid and held it out to him.

  “As a thank you and a proper hello, I brought you some of my favorite candies from the capital.” Claire said smiling as she held the box out to him

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  Tirr took the box carefully as he looked inside and found the delicately wrapped treats. His mouth started watering as the smell hit him and he remembered the offerings he used to get. Even Garm perked up at the smell of the sweets.

  He slowly took one out and tried it. Before losing himself in bliss at the sweet taste. He stood, eyes closed, swaying gently as chewed.

  “It’s good right? Comes from a popular shop in the Capital. I always keep some with me when I go out.” Claire grinned as she watched his reaction.

  Tirr shook his head to snap out of it and forced himself to close the box, ignoring Garm’s pleading eyes. “They’re alright…” He admitted, glaring at Maria as she stifled a laugh.

  “Good! So, we can put yesterday behind us and consider this a fresh start.” Claire said cheerfully.

Tirr started to agree, before noticing Maria’s scolding look. “Well…” he stammered.

  “Is there something wrong?” Claire asked concerned. Tirr took a deep breath, focused on putting on his usual arrogant pose and demeaner.

  “I’m sorry as well. As a god I shouldn’t let things the little people say irritate me so easily, so I’m sorry I called you weak and stupid” Tirr said, looking relieved that he had finally gotten it out.

  Maria just let out a sigh as Claire laughed and told him not to worry about it. “Besides…” Claire started, “It’s not like I could argue after that display yesterday.” She turned towards Maria, “That shove you gave was incredible, seems like you’re not used to combat but you still have such crazy strength.”

  Maria just smiled and invited them to sit down as Tirr bragged happily about Maria being his follower. Maria served tea as they all settled at the table.

  “She gets her power from you then, there really isn’t a shard?” Claire asked seriously, after her first sip.

  “Yep, I gave her my Blessing and made her my Apostle of Life.” Tirr replied “Don’t know what a Shard is.”

  “The Shards are some kind of ancient artifact” Claire explained. “Apparently they started showing up a few years ago and any country that has one has been steadily increasing its users. But its dangerous and not many people survive the process. The captain of the knight patrol was one of ours, my brother pushed him through even though he had gotten kicked out of the other Knight Orders.”

  “The fire that man used was definitely from my Blessing, though it was strange.” Tirr said, recalling the crystal he saw in the man’s hand.

  “So, your blessing and the Shard are related somehow right? I’ll talk to my father once I get back and see if I can bring you to see it, maybe that will help you figure it out. Not even my brother can sweep what happened here under the rug, so your village will be safe. Plus, I can bring you to the shop where I got those candies.” Claire said smiling. “We’ll be asking for a favor in return of course.”

  “What kind of favor?” Tirr asked confused.

  “Well to start…” Claire said mischievously, “How about giving me the Life Blessing? I want to get stronger and it sounds like the perfect way to do it”

  “I can’t just give away my Blessings.” Tirr said with a grunt. “You’d have to be a follower.”

  “Okay! Claire said, still grinning as she stood up, “I’ll be a follower then, where do I start?”