The Rosflame Chronicles

Chapter Eight: Strength in Skill

Kiona stood before Galfrid once again, the weight of his recent investigations still fresh in his mind. But today, the task at hand was far simpler. The recruits at the Bannock were a fresh-faced group, eager but lacking in discipline and courage. Galfrid had asked Kiona for a different kind of assistance—one that involved more action and less mystery.

"The recruits," Galfrid began, his voice as gruff as ever, "are in need of some inspiration. They've been dragging their feet in training, and their hesitation in battle won't serve them or Gridania well. I want you to show them what real skill looks like."

Kiona listened intently as Galfrid continued, "There are black efts down by the river, just north of here. Nasty creatures, but good for target practice. I want you to slay four of them and show these recruits what it means to fight with purpose."

Kiona nodded, ready to take on the task. He could see the recruits nearby, their nervous glances betraying their lack of confidence. If a demonstration of skill could help boost their morale, he would gladly provide it.

With his staff in hand, Kiona made his way toward the river, the recruits following at a distance, their eyes fixed on him with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. The path was familiar now, the sounds of the forest around him offering a sense of calm, even as the challenge ahead loomed.

When he reached the river, it didn't take long for him to spot the black efts. The creatures slithered through the shallow waters, their dark forms barely visible against the shadows of the trees. Kiona's grip tightened on his staff, the weight of the task falling into place.

The first eft lunged from the water, but Kiona was ready. With a swift incantation, he called forth the element of earth, the ground beneath the creature shifting as roots twisted and trapped the eft in place. With a focused strike from his staff, the creature was vanquished.

The recruits watched from a safe distance, their eyes wide as they witnessed Kiona's display of conjury. Encouraged by their reactions, Kiona pressed on. The second and third efts fell quickly, his movements swift and deliberate. Each spell was precise, every strike calculated.

The final eft proved more elusive, darting through the water with surprising speed. But Kiona remained undeterred, drawing upon the element of water this time to send a surge of magic coursing through the river, knocking the eft off balance. With one final strike, the creature fell, disappearing beneath the surface.

Kiona took a deep breath, the energy of the battle still pulsing through him. He turned to face the recruits, who stood in awe, their expressions a mix of admiration and renewed determination. The fear that had once clouded their faces was now replaced with a spark of resolve.

Satisfied with the display, Kiona returned to the Bannock, the recruits trailing behind him, their heads held a little higher than before. Galfrid stood waiting, arms crossed as he watched them approach.

"You've done well," Galfrid said, nodding approvingly. "The recruits needed to see what it means to fight with conviction, and you've shown them just that."

Kiona bowed slightly. "Thank you. I hope it helps them grow."

Galfrid's gaze shifted to the recruits, who had already resumed their training with a newfound vigor. "It will. But remember, Kiona, you must continue to hone your own skills. Don't grow complacent, or one day these recruits might just outshine you."

Kiona chuckled softly. "I'll keep that in mind."

With that, Kiona made his way back to the Bannock, feeling the satisfaction of a job well done. The recruits had been inspired, but more importantly, Kiona had continued to prove to himself that he was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.