The Orphan Wars (Book One) Read Online Free

graduation day it was empty.  Nemeth kneeled down by the pond, closed his eyes, folded his hands together and began to pray to Dynia.  A vision of a beautiful, calm night slowly entered Nemeth's mind.  He began to hear a soothing voice.  It was the voice of Dynia.
    "Welcome back child," said Dynia.  "I was beginning to think I wasn't going to get any visitors today.  How can I help you?"
    "Hello Dynia," replied Nemeth.  "I'm still trying to deal with the pressure of being a student here.  I also have to give a graduation speech soon and because of these things my anxiety is unbearable.  Oh great goddess, please use your powers of tranquility to allow me to get through these difficult times.  I apologize if these things sound insignificant to you."
    "I shall grant you what you desire," repli ed Dynia.  "I know that you have been continuing to train to become a warrior.  Let me remind you that I detest violence.  I am only granting you this favor because of your continued kindness towards me.  I hope that you will soon shift focus on becoming a healer instead before you are forever corrupted by the ways of the warrior.  If that happens, I am not sure if I can help you anymore.  For now, continue to close your eyes and relax.  I will do the rest."
    The vision of the beautiful, calm night became more intense.  A soft blue light appeared in the vision.  Nemeth began to feel weightless and his anxiety left his body and mind.
    "Open your eyes child," said Dynia.  "I have relieved you of your worries for now.  Please come back and visit me soon."
    Nemeth unfolded his hands, opened his eyes and stood up.  He was definitely relieved of his stress and was ready to take on the rest of the day.
    "Thank you for your help great goddess Dynia," said Nemeth.  "I ho pe that one day I get to see what you look like."
    "You amuse me child," replied Dynia.  "You know that the gods and goddesses cannot reveal themselves to mortals.  Just remember that when you are here, I am all around you.  Farewell for now child…"
    Nemeth was pleased that Dynia had responded to his prayer.  Not surprisingly, this made Dynia his favorite goddess.  Most of the other gods and goddesses never responded to his prayers.  Nemeth expected that since he was so talented that each and every god and goddess should grant him their time anytime he wished.  For a 10 year old child, he certainly had an inflated sense of entitlement.
    After pacing around the pond for a bit, Nemeth headed south to The Great Hall of Athos where the ceremony was to take place.  The Great Hall of Athos was a large oval building where most of the school's social events took place.  Nemeth approached the main entrance which was manned by two guards.  The two guards appeared to be in their late teens and both of them were carrying swords.
    "Whoa, stop right there kid!" commanded one of the guards.  "The graduation ceremony is about to begin.  Nobody is allowed in right now.   You're going to have to turn around and leave."
    "Yeah, that's right!" exclaimed the other guard.  "There's no way you can go inside now.  You should have gotten here on time like everyone else did."
    Nemeth began to clear his throat loudly.  He then started to point repeatedly to the insignia of D'hal Natar on his uniform.
    " The guest of honor can never be considered late," replied Nemeth.  "Let me in there right now."
    The two guards looked at Nemeth's unif orm.  A look of concern came over both of them.  Nemeth gave a look of contempt at them.
    " I apologize to you," replied the first guard.  "I really am sorry!"
    "I'm sorry too," replied the second guard.  "I' m much sorrier than him!  You must be Kenneth, the head of the third year class!"
    Nemeth roll ed his eyes and folded his arms.  He shook his head in disappointment at both of the guards.
    "That's sort of close," replied Nemeth.  "You got the part right about me being head of the third year class.  But my name isn't