So what is going on? First we need to convince our hero to actually get on board.

A champion with superior mystic powers who's expecting attack at all times. What could possibly go wrong?

Basically, they need Vard to be their Champion: the one who risks sacrificing their own life to serve as the main target in case of attack.

While meeting an individual who has good reason to believe they want to kill him/her and that any claims to the contrary are trickery. Sounds fun.