I like this series, and I’m looking forward to seeing it through to the end, but…
I can jive with his depression. I can understand his lack of action and drive for the start and middle of the series. But at this point, almost everything that’s gone wrong has happened because he REFUSES to take responsibility for his own abilities and friends. Over and over and OVER again something awful happens, he barely escapes a situation, and then goes “well I hope that nothing bad ever happens again oh well”.
I’m not saying he needs to turn into a crazy warrior or something. But his skills fall into the “prep time” powers. If he was even a small bit more mindful and intentional he could setup defenses. Change how they are traveling. Expect he’s being followed and do something unexpected. Make gear and tools and traps to protect himself and his wife.
Hell, even in this chapter, he just… leaves his wife. Unprotected, undefended, no eyes on her at all. The hell did he THINK would happen??