Godwin swung his sword at every person he passed by. It bewitched him every time he swung his sword and an arc of crimson blood sprayed the vegetation red.

He stabbed and sliced. Smashed and battered. Mutilated and killed in euphoria.

Only his horse matched it with a clear sadism as it stomped its enemies under heavy hooves or barreled through them like pieces of paper. It enjoyed looking back to see their broken bodies sprawled on the ground, unable to get up.

Without warning, Godwin broke past the tree lines. He slowed his horse down to a stop and trotted around in a triumphant circle. He raised his sword into the air, continuing to laugh. His horse rose to its hind leg as it let out a deep guttural neigh that challenged any to stand before it.

His cackle dimmed as the energy slowed down. He saw Thram and his men break out of the tree line in haste, looking for him.

He rode up to them with the biggest smile he ever had, and his eyes never lost their glow. “Glory! Honor! Who can deny me today?”

Mother Melissa jumped out of her carriage the second it came to a still. She walked up to his horse, holding her robes up and a stormy face. But Godwin didn’t notice at all. Instead, he thought she came to congratulate him.

“Get down. Now.” Mother’s voice was firm and brokered no retaliation.

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Not finding it unusual, he jumped down with a nimble grace that surpassed human abilities. It is only natural for people to wish him greatness and hold he could bless them himself.

“Yes, Mother?” His smile was from ear to ear. Even blinking didn’t stop the light from shining at the edges.

Mother Melissa swung with all her might. She slapped him across the face. What she didn’t expect was for nothing to happen other than pain lancing up her arm. She felt like she hit a city wall with all her strength, but she couldn’t care less.

Godwin stood there stunned. Why? Did he not prove himself a great man? Did he not bring honor to his name? Does she not share in his glory?

… then the flames disappeared.

His eyes no longer had those lanterns, and the world returned to their original colors. That battle lust had evaporated without a trace left behind. All except the incredible fatigue and emptiness where it stood.

“M-mother...?” He tried to explain, but found no words. He just stood in front of her, moving his mouth like a fish.

That was until he saw her clutch at her hand in obvious pain.

“Y-your hurt. Let me treat you.” He tried to make up for the blunder he had committed. For him to charge out like that into the unknown. Only the father’s blessing kept him from meeting an untimely demise alone like that.

“Keep your hand to yourself. This isn’t the child I raised. No, there was a bloodthirsty stranger in his spot today. And that horse…” she said, frowning as it continued to posture and trot around after the victory. “It creeps me out. Look how proud it seems after all this death. No animal should be like this.”

“I-I… the horse... its…” What the hell was he supposed to say when she looked so disappointed in him. His reckless move could have cost him an arm rather than seeing Mother Melissa look so.

“Leave him be.” Thram rode towards them. “He just transcended, we only expect for him to be unable to control the sudden power he gained. Then again, from the flashes I did witness, it is the highest tier too. We will have much work to get him used to it.”

“He better get it together… or I’ll slap him again!” She raised her red hand up threateningly, but she couldn’t hide the extreme worry underneath. She cared too much to see him so out of control and in danger. That move left her heart choked up. For long moments she felt like she was walking in a fog, waiting to find some source of direction.

Godwin smiled. He lowered his head, letting his long blonde hair fall to cover his face and the single tear that fell down his cheek.