[Orn’s father’s POV]

“Not quite,” He shrugged. “He says he can gain any skill he just has to do it for a while.”

Raising his hands to forestall the questions. “I know that is backwards but it is what he said an I believe him. Every morning he went in the back yard and swung a sword around. At first he seemed as clueless as any child swinging a stick, playing at being a fairy-tale hero. But now I can see the skill clearly.”

He met his uncle’s and aunt’s eyes in turn. “It as if by repeating the actions he is creating the skill. It is as if he is clearing a path in the woods. With each trip down it, the path become a bit more established and easier to pass. The growth is slow, but he went from no skill to what I think is a better than average skill with a blade.”

“That rejects everything we know about paths.” His aunt thought a moment, “He can do that anytime right?”

“That is what he said, and I have no reason to doubt him especially after the change I have seen in the backyard.” He turned toward the older man who was stroking his beard thoughtfully. “What are your thought Uncle?”

Uncle sighed, “If he can do that, I see no reason not to treat him like the others. I will have ot be easier on him until he finds his footing, I am just not sure how fast that will happen. It is just so strange to me.”

“It was the same for me, but seeing him wielding weapons.” He shook his head to push the images aside, “If you watch him closely you will see it happen.”

His uncle cleared his throat, “Putting that aside, what am I working with? How is he with a bow?”

He considered for a moment before responding, “With a bow, he is probably around the level of the group you tried to start me with.”

“That is a good start!” Uncle smiled and slapped his knee, “But it takes more than that to be a hunter. Skills in moving quietly, using a hunting knife. What are you smiling for Toln?”

“He cannot move quietly as you have seen.” He tried to keep a straight face but he could feel the corners of him mouth lifting in spite of himself. “But I have seen him swing a knife around. I would say he is ... acceptable.”

“You say you just saw him swinging a knife around, but you seem sure he is good.” Aunty looked at him closely. “How can you be so sure?”

“Actually, I do not think he was just swinging it around.” He leaned in and began to explain his suspicions about Orn’s invisible friend…

They stared at him in shock. He imagined he had the same expression at the kitchen table, just a few days ago. They were still processing the information when they heard someone open the yard gate.

They all turned to the door to the yard and watched Orn come in alone.

“Where are Jomie and Gorud? And why are they not with you?” Aunty asked a bit f concern coloring her voice, “they were supposed to be showing you around the village.”

“They did.” Orn hurried to answer, “Then they met Tean and Krem. They were going to play a game, but the teams were uneven, and I needed to practice with my sword...”

He is definitely hiding something. He kept his expression level as his son prattled on his excuse. He always talks too much when he is hiding something.

His aunt turned to him, but he only shrugged. Reaching back to where the packs lay against the wall, he pulled out his son’s sword. He offered it hilt first as his son approached him. “There is a smaller yard in the back, just keep out of the plants, they are more precious and dangerous than your mother’s roses.”

“I will.” Orn said excitedly. Then taking the offered blade, beat a quick retreat out the door.

“Those boys,” Aunty said looking at the door Orn left through. “They always want to play with the older boys. I hope they did not hurt his feelings. I will have to speak to them about playing around, rather than looking after their cousin.”

“Be that as it may,” Uncle looked at him, “Why did you send him to the back yard?”