Practicing his swordsmanship near the village outskirts one day, Renn noticed Goran and his gang of bullies advancing toward him menacingly. A motley crew, they donned mismatched, worn-out clothes and malicious smirks twisted their faces. Unlike their last encounter, they now bore weapons – crude clubs, rusted daggers, and one even flaunted a makeshift spear.

Goran advanced, his eyes fixated on Renn, his cruel smile broadening. “So, blacksmith’s boy, think you’re so tough now?” He twirled a rusted dagger, taunting, “Let’s see how you handle a real fight.”

Renn’s jaw clenched, his grip tightening around his wooden practice sword, understanding he had no choice but to defend himself. Jeers and laughter saturated the air, the other boys’ voices dripping with mockery. “Come on, Renn! Show us your fancy moves!” one of them shouted, wildly swinging his club.

With no other alternatives, Renn sprang into action. He charged at Goran, deftly dodging a swift stab of the dagger, and struck the bully’s arm with his wooden sword, producing a cracking sound. A howl of pain escaped Goran as he dropped his weapon. Renn pivoted, parrying a blow from the makeshift spear, and delivered a powerful kick to the gut of its wielder. The boy crumpled to the ground, gasping for breath.

But soon, Renn found himself outnumbered, and the fight intensified. As Goran’s cronies closed in, Renn’s skills faced the ultimate test, the wooden sword becoming a blur as he defended himself from the onslaught of vicious attacks.

“Stop this madness!” thundered a deep, commanding voice. All eyes turned to the approaching figure – a tall and muscular man with a long, grizzled beard that hinted at years of battles fought. His well-worn leather armor bore a magnificent sword with a golden pommel, its hilt adorned with intricate engravings and glimmering gems. Renn recognized him as a seasoned warrior.

Renn had previously seen this man meditating in the woods, his sword laid across his lap. As the man focused on the blade, the runes etched into the steel seemed to glow with an otherworldly light, and Renn could sense strange energy being absorbed by the warrior. The bullies had circulated tales of this man, labeling him a madman, but Renn knew there was more to him than met the eye.

As the stranger strode towards the chaotic scene, Goran and his gang sneered and readied their weapons. With a sudden fluid motion, the stranger raised his hands and seemed to unleash an invisible force that struck Goran, sending him sprawling onto the ground. The rest of the gang tried to retaliate, but the mysterious warrior moved with the speed and grace of a master, effortlessly disarming each attacker within moments.

Terrified and defeated, Goran and his gang scrambled to their feet, fleeing the scene in fear of the stranger’s remarkable abilities. The air grew still as the bullies disappeared into the distance, leaving Renn standing with the enigmatic warrior who had come to his aid.

“You have talent, young one,” the stranger told Renn, his eyes appraising the boy. “Your stance is solid, and your strikes are precise. But you have much to learn.”

Renn blinked, surprised by the man’s praise. “Who are you?” he asked cautiously.

The stranger grinned, revealing a row of strong, white teeth. “My name is Master Kazaan. I am a traveling warrior and teacher. I hail from the Sand Kingdom, but I have seen every major dojo the realm has to offer. I must say that I am impressed by what you did here.”

Renn’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really? I wasn’t really perfect…”

Master Kazaan nodded. “Indeed. And I believe you have great potential. You should join an Academy, young one.”

Hesitating, Renn asked, “Would you be interested in accepting me as your apprentice? I want to learn advanced techniques and become a skilled warrior like you. And what you did with your palm–some invisible force threw Goran over, like the Fist of God had punched him.”

Master Kazaan’s eyes turned solemn, and he shook his head. “That is no Fist of God, young one.” He laughed. “Also, no, I cannot take you as my apprentice.”

Disappointment washed over Renn, but he insisted. “Why not? Please, I am willing to work hard and learn.”

“Of course, you are.” Kazaan sighed, looking at Renn with admiration and concern. “It’s not that I doubt your dedication, young one. My path as a traveling swordsman is a difficult one, filled with hardship and danger. You would have to leave behind everything you know, including the comforts of your home.”

Renn stared at Master Kazaan, a fire igniting within him. “I am willing to make that sacrifice. I want to protect my friends and family, and become the best warrior I can be.”

Kazaan studied the young boy before him, weighing the determination in his eyes. “Very well,” he finally conceded. “But remember, once you commit to this path, there is no turning back.”

Renn nodded, a mixture of excitement and resolve surging through him. “I understand, Master Kazaan. I won’t let you down.”

“In life, you must never make hasty decisions when you’re emotional. Go home. Think it over,” Master Kazaan advised.

Renn hesitated for a moment, weighing his options. He knew this was a rare opportunity, but he also didn’t want to leave Talia behind. With a heavy heart, he went home to find her. 

***

That night, he found Talia in the kitchen, her hands busily working as she chopped mutton bones for the soup. “Talia,” Renn said softly, approaching her. “How have you been feeling lately?”

Ever since the day she had bled on the sheets, they were told she had become a woman and were no longer allowed to sleep on the same bed anymore. In fact, he found himself spending less time with her now. She was barely thirteen, about two years younger than him. Renn still didn’t fully understand what had changed, but he missed their old camaraderie. 

Talia smiled at him, wiping her hands on her apron. “I’m all right, Renn. Just getting used to these new…changes, I suppose.”

Renn nodded, then took a deep breath before continuing. “I met someone today. A traveling swordsman named Master Kazaan. He offered to train me, but it would mean leaving everything behind, including you.”

Talia’s eyes widened in surprise, but then she looked thoughtful. “Renn,” she said, looking him straight in the eye. “This is an incredible chance for you. You should take it.” If there was pain or sadness, she put on an incredible act of hiding it. 

“But what about you? I don’t want to leave you.”

“I’ll be fine here. I’m not the old Talia anymore.” She shrugged. “I guess all that thrill of being raised with the blacksmith’s son was just giving me ideas. Now I don’t really feel like fighting. I guess it’s part of being a woman. Holding a sword doesn’t give me the thrills like chopping these mutton bones for soup.”

Renn looked into her eyes. There was nothing but determination. He knew she was right. With a mixture of excitement and sorrow, he made the decision to become Master Kazaan’s apprentice. 

The path ahead would be difficult, he knew, but he was choosing a life that would forge him into a skilled warrior, capable of protecting those he loved. And that’s all that mattered to him now. He couldn’t bear the thought of Talia or anyone else he cared for meeting the same fate as his parents. With his resolve solidified, he set out to find Master Kazaan.

He found the master at the local inn, sitting in a dimly lit corner and sipping on a steaming herbal concoction. The faint aroma of the brew filled the air, an odd mix of soothing and invigorating scents. Renn approached him, his heart pounding with anticipation.

“Master Kazaan,” Renn said, his voice steady despite the nerves churning within him. “I’ve thought it over, and I’ve decided that I am ready for your training.”

Master Kazaan glanced up at him, his eyes piercing and scrutinizing. A slow, knowing smile spread across his bearded face. “You better be, young one,” he replied, his voice deep and gravelly. “The path I walk is not an easy one, and the training I offer is not for the faint of heart. But if you’re truly ready to embrace this journey, then prepare yourself. Your life is about to change forever.”

Renn nodded, determination and excitement flooding his veins. He was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, for the sake of those he loved and the future he desired.

The following day, Renn bid farewell to Talia and his village, embarking on a new journey with Master Kazaan. He was leaving behind his old life and stepping into a world filled with unknown dangers and adventures. But Renn was ready. He held onto the hope that the trials ahead would shape him into a true warrior.