Effort

Arran continued his studies well into the night, slowly working his way through the spells and seals the Matriarch had given him to learn.

He did not rush the work. Doing so would simply mean he'd have to do it again the next day, likely in addition to whatever impossible task she'd give him next.

Instead, he forced himself to remain focused as he worked, analyzing the spells and seals to the best of his ability and carefully recording his progress in the two empty memory amulets he'd been given.

As the night progressed so did his weariness, but at no point did he consider giving up.

Leaving would be easy enough, of course. Brightblade had made it clear that if he failed to meet the Matriarch's demands, the woman would cast him aside without hesitation. At that point, he would be able to return to the House of Swords to resume his original training.