The announcement came from beyond Eldermire.
Not in whispers. Not in rumors.
But in a decree carried by armored messengers bearing the seal of the Kingdom.
A trial had been declared.
A selection of individuals across the outer villages would be summoned—those deemed capable—to undergo evaluation under royal authority. Strength, endurance, instinct, and "potential beyond natural limits" were the stated criteria.
Eldermire gathered in unease.
At the center of it all stood Renn Valehart.
"They're asking for you," one of the village elders said, trying to keep his voice steady. "This isn't something we can ignore. It's the Kingdom."
Another villager stepped forward quickly. "You don't understand what this means. If you're chosen, your life changes completely. Security. Training. Recognition—"
Renn listened quietly.
Then shook his head.
"No."
Silence followed.
The elder frowned. "Renn, this isn't a request you can just refuse. People like you don't appear often. The Kingdom is offering you a place among the best."
"I don't need it," Renn replied simply.
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
A woman spoke nervously. "But… this could be your chance. A future beyond the village. Beyond—"
Renn interrupted gently, but firmly.
"The village needs me."
That stopped them.
He glanced around at the people he had grown up with—faces he had helped countless times without question. Carrying harvests. Hunting for food. Repairing homes. Protecting them without ever calling it protection.
Then his eyes shifted toward his house.
Toward Elira.
"My mother needs me here," he added. "I'm not leaving."
The villagers exchanged uncertain looks.
"Renn…" the elder tried again, softer this time. "You can still return after the trial. This is an opportunity most will never get."
Renn didn't respond immediately.
He simply turned away.
"I said no."
And that was the end of it.
That evening, as the village slowly returned to its routine, Elira found him outside their home.
"You rejected it," she said quietly.
Renn nodded.
She studied him for a moment. "You could have seen the world beyond this place."
"I don't need to see it," he replied.
Elira's expression softened.
"You always say things like that," she murmured. "Like the world only exists within reach of your hands."
Renn looked at her then.
"If I leave," he said, "who takes care of you?"
Elira smiled faintly.
"You worry too much."
"I don't think I do."
A pause.
Then Elira reached up and gently tapped his forehead.
"Stubborn boy," she said softly. "Always carrying too much without realizing it."
Renn didn't argue.
He just stood there beside her, like he always did.
As if nothing in the world could move him away from Eldermire.
Not even a kingdom's call.