Doubts and Decisions

The following morning, Renji was training with Nemi and Hutch. He had continued his focus on the two elements of water and earth, trying to get at least a reasonable mastery of either, but while Hutch’s crash course in figuring out what elements he may have control over worked, the actual crash course on how to use it all had been proving difficult—much to Nemi’s frustration. She felt like Renji could become an incredible magician, but many of the fundamentals were just not clicking with him. She had hoped Tiamat’s blessing may have given him at least some form of basic mastery, but it would appear that wasn’t the case. “Come on, Renji!” Nemi would often cheer, hoping to see something big, like when he defeated the lizardman, but so far he had only been able to showcase varying degrees of control beyond the darts he’d practiced for fishing.

However, there just was not enough time. Renji would be leaving with Illyandaril tomorrow to begin his journey to slay The Dark Lord. Balam gave him a pass, but neither she nor Hutch could confidently say that Renji’s skills were above par—and Renji noticed her frustrations. He felt bad, especially as he wanted to be friends with Nemi, but no matter what he did, there were just too many loose concepts for him to grasp. Perhaps it was merely a cultural thing, but they kept asking for things that didn’t make sense to him. He had thought he was doing excellently at first, but whether it was beginner’s luck or coincidence, Renji had hit a wall early into his study of the mystic arts.

However, as Renji mulled over how he’d be useful to Illya—not just as a mentor, but as a combatant, he found himself stumped. Sitting with Haru as he had taken to doing, he petted her mane as he lost himself in thought. He and Illya had been spending time together where they could, often making small talk and speaking about each other’s experiences, there was nothing that was truly a breakthrough. After all, her bratty attitude had already calmed down somewhat, so what more was there for him to do for her?

After their duel, Illy had begun to take her training far more seriously, even asking Renji to let her practice some moves on him—much to his displeasure, but even he could tell she was improving. Something nagged at him, something loud in the back of his mind—but he couldn’t figure it out. Something about this whole setup started to stink, and it made him grow more and more anxious as time passed. Haru rested her head on his lap gently as she began to nap, sensing his impending distress. Just what was it that stood out to Renji that bugged him? He closed his eyes once more as he retreated to the theater of his mind, letting the information he had collected thus far play out in his mind.

He had no doubts about The Dark Lord’s existence. Given what happened to him and Mariel, it was beyond a doubt that a dark, malevolent force was out to get them. He had insisted on visiting the prisons where the other bandits were kept, he had seen what remained of them. It scarred him, caused him to retch, and he still saw it when he slept. Only something absolutely foul and evil could have done that. That they needed to go to him instead of simply preparing made sense, too. The longer after his resurrection they waited, the more likely he’d gain enough power to overthrow them. The Dark Lord is said to be an ageless being, time is not an issue for him. He could just wait them out until he was perfectly sure that he would win.

Balam’s warnings rang in his mind, but he still didn’t feel any closer to the truth. Then, he realized what had stuck out to him like a dripping crimson flag. Balam’s words; that there would only be two to make the journey. Renji had already proven he could be overwhelmed and caught off guard, and besides his ability to cook, he was worried he didn’t provide enough. Illyandaril herself had also shown him that she could be manipulated or controlled, like what happened when he was kidnapped. It struck him all at once: What if Renji was captured again, and Illyandaril was forced to surrender because of it?

Letting Haru nap, Renji rushed to King Roland. He needed to make some arrangements immediately, or he was sure that their quest would fail. He understood that Balam was confident in going with Illyandaril. Balam seemed stronger than Renji’s own martial arts instructor back home, effortlessly so. Renji, however, did not have that luxury. His build wasn’t that of a hero, and his understanding of magic was minimal at best. As things stand, Renji would just be babysitting Illya, cooking her dinners and tending to their camps, all the while being one big walking weakness—a shortcut to her defeat.

“I understand your words, Renji, but you must understand; this would be leaving us with a new weakness. Additionally, it is tradition that only the hero and her chosen partner may accompany her on her quest. Though… I do see your reasoning.”

The King’s reluctance was palpable, but he was a reasonable man. Renji’s request was fair, and once he explained why to him, he immediately understood. “Very well, but we are to be selective about who may go with you. I cannot afford to depart with any of my senior staff. Make your invitations, Renji, and ensure that only those who are willing understand the dangers that will await you all.”

Standing up, the King gestured for Renji to leave and get to work. “I wish I had more time to help you prepare, but I am afraid that our time is up. Choose wisely, you may yet find yourself growing and learning on your trip, just as I hope my daughter shall. I once again ask that you ensure she does, in fact.”

Renji would spend the rest of his day rushing around the castle, hoping beyond hope that nobody he was hoping to find had gone home yet. If even one of the people he sought were absent—or worse, rejected his proposal, he feared that their adventure may fail. His plan had holes, he recognized that, but at least this way they’ll all be more prepared for what is to come.