Dread Mage

“What if I fail?” Sonder asked Hrygo as a direct response to her claims. “What if I can't make a difference and those who have caused so much pain escape without facing any consequences?"

“Failure is inevitable; it is part of the journey,” Hrygo assured her. “But the fall is not what defines nor shapes us wholly, but how we rise afterwards does. Each setback is merely an opportunity in disguise. The irathy won't be easy to defeat, and if they perceive you as a threat, they won't leave you be; they'll attack when you're most vulnerable. But you must be ready to stand your ground at all times.”

As Hrygo's words sank in, Sonder felt a stirring within her—a glimmer of hope. She tightened her hold on the oars, the cool and wet wood against her palms, and resumed the rhythmic rowing.

Her muscles strained against the steady pull of the oars.

"Let the water guide you, but never lose sight of your destination," Hrygo advised.

Sonder nodded, focusing on the distant shoreline. “What if I don’t know where I’m going?” she asked, her brow furrowing. “What if I’m never going to be ready?”

“Then you must learn to navigate through uncertainty. No one ever truly knows if they are ready,” Hrygo replied. “You may not know this, but people are more crucial than you realize. Like yourself, or anyone else who can and will stand against what they believe to be unjust; to tyranny.”

“Me?” Sonder said, disbelief coloring her tone. “I feel as though I don’t matter much to the world—that I’m just a girl with a painful past. How can I be of any significance?”

"Pain, like many things, is a strength. It molds you and makes you resilient. Let it fuel your fire and your determination. You must see the other side of it to succeed."

Sonder nodded, though she was not entirely convinced by the Simerian woman's words.

"Now, pay attention," Hrygo continued, her voice filled with intensity. "When you first arrived here, you were weak and fragile, but your spirit was strong. Since then, you've come a long way. Every muscle ache and every skin tear has made you stronger, and you've never once complained or cried out. That's a testament to your potential. In the coming months, if you continue to follow my teachings, you will become a significant force in the world."

Sonder gave a slight laugh. “That’s almost what Vell once told me.”