He'd been watching her for so long now. He knew it was time to finally show himself to her. Shinchi sat high up in the tree and watched the little fight.
Jack had advised him to join her more than a year ago, but Shinchi couldn't bring himself to do it. Instead he just followed her and as soon as she threatened to discover him, he disappeared. He was afraid of the encounter. Not because she was superior to him, or because he thought he knew her destiny - Jack had made more than a hint - he couldn't say what was stopping him from showing himself to her. He knew she could sense his presence. It was only a matter of time before she could see him.
Shinchi saw the gumaero jump away bleeding. He had failed to keep him away from her. This Gumaero had gotten away from him when he wasn't careful and earlier it had been too late. He had already spotted her and attacked Rin. Usually Shinchi fought the Gumaeros without Rin noticing. He had made it his business to keep these creatures off her neck for as long as possible. It was also a good training session to improve your strength and skills. When he saw Rin probing the area with her mind, he disappeared. It was the only supernatural gift Shinchi possessed, that of invisibility.
He jumped invisibly from tree to tree and thus escaped Rin's sphere of activity.
He liked Rin, there was no denying that, but he doubted she would allow him to go with her. And when she found out that he had followed her for more than a year, she would tear off more than his head. He wasn't a coward, but she was stronger than him.
Shinchi sighed and scolded himself a fool. 'I should have listened to Jack, now I've got the salad. he thought and disappeared for the time being.

Rin was in a hurry, so they seldom stopped and when they did, never more than an hour.Silver flew close above them warning them of danger. They met a gumaero three times, but in daylight they were no match for Rin. She had them done in a matter of minutes. They didn't meet people, the area wasn't friendly enough for that. At some point they left the barren landscape behind and came into the mountains. They had come a long way and were now looking for a place to stay for the night.
It was well past dusk when they finally found a good cave. Rin gave up a warming fire, wrapped herself in her cloak and fell asleep almost immediately. Blue lay down next to her and kept watch while Silver sat down in a tree outside. As the sun rose, Blue Rin woke up and they set off again.
Despite the tight pace and the few breaks, Blue's wound healed completely after 2 days and he was ready to fight again. The closer they got to the Red Mountain, where Remita stood, the faster their pace became. And then, after a seemingly endless 4 days, they arrived at the foot of the mountain. They had to climb over the ridge because Remita was on the other side in a valley. Jack had set up camp up on one of the slopes and was waiting for a good moment to recapture the old base. They started the ascent and after a few hours Rin could already see the light plumes of smoke from the fires of her friends. She sent Silver to report that they would be there in a few hours.
In the evening they set up the slope and descended cautiously but quickly. Suddenly Blue growled softly and stood in wait. A man emerged from the shadow of a large boulder.
"You were faster than we thought. Jack is waiting for you. Follow me," said the man, turning his back on them.
Rin and Blue followed him into the camp. It was, as she could now see, between two slopes in a slight depression. Not to be seen from the valley, but from here you had a good overview of everything.A little later they reached Jack's camp. When he saw her, he jumped up and hugged Rin with a relieved face.
"Thank God you're finally here. You must be completely exhausted. I didn't think you could do it that fast. But when Silver suddenly appeared, I knew it couldn't be long. Take a rest first . I have had a camp prepared for you and also for your companions. " said Jack, pointing to the cozy-looking straw bed behind him. Rin thanked her, but she didn't feel tired. On the contrary, she felt as if she were bursting with energy.
"Let it go, Jack. Tell me what exactly happened here and what kind of plan you have now. How many are there?"
He sighed softly and went to one of the campfires and sat down. Rin followed and sat across from him. The fire was reflected in Jack's eyes and made his face look somber and older. Blue lay down at Rin's side, closed her eyes and listened.
"Where should I start? Lord Edolan and his troops showed up here about 2 weeks ago and attacked Remita. After a few days we could no longer hold it, the enemy was simply outnumbered. Many of us died and we fled high in the mountains. Edolan holds the castle and has called in more troops to guard. They arrived 3 days ago. I estimate about 50 other men plus those who were already there and survived the attack . And that's not even the worst news. Gumaeros and other such rabble of hell are now hanging around in the woods. And worst of all: Edolan has put a protective spell over the castle and none of us has the power to break through it. That's why I asked you to come here. I know that you have powers that no one else has and can help us. I beg you, help us! "Rin had closed his eyes and hadn't even flicked an eyelash during the report. She knew Lord Edolan very well and knew of his cruelty. But when she heard the request, her heart suddenly beat faster. She looked at him confused.
"What do you mean by that?" She asked him. " I do not quite understand."
"But your reputation is already far ahead of you. I saw you fight myself. Up at the Battle of Tanium. Your sword is a legend and you wield it perfectly. I don't need to begin with your art of handling the bow . I know that you learned from Master Aron and he is the best sorcerer. It is said that he got his knowledge from the Book of Merlin. You have the power to call the guards and use their power for you. We know What Aron must have taught you, because you are surrounded by a special aura. I have no skills for magic, but even I can feel these powers that are inherent in you. So I ask you to help us. " called Jack and looked at Rin pleadingly and hopefully.