Godwin stood in front of the gates of the fort. It took a single afternoon to get everything he had under his name packed and onto carriages. He laughed in derision to see how little he owned. Nothing but some scrappy armor his father handed to his caretakers before being sent off.

It was probably some dusty waste forgotten in the depths of the county’s armory.

He had never gotten the chance to wear it, nor did he want to. It’s faded green and gold had no luster and no outstanding design. They were as simple as they could get.

He sighed as he turned away from the battered walls and dented metal gates. The least they could have done was to repair the cracks and fractures on their largest defence. Then again, if an enemy made it this deep into the kingdom and up a harrowing mountain, everything was lost already.

“Let’s go.” Godwin said as he hopped up onto his mount. A massive charger that he used much of his last coins to purchase from an old knight who wanted to cut off anything that reminded him of his old profession.

He noticed his increased ability. How light he felt when he jumped onto the back of such a massive horse without using the stirrup at all was a feeling he wanted to feel forever. He could only imagine how much stronger he had become once he used his transcended power.

“Count Teralis.” The speaker of the honor guard said as he rode closer on his own horse. He was the designated one to discuss anything on their behalf. “We are of the belief that the carriage is more suitable to your station. Not...that maid.”

Godwin’s eyes narrowed. “That maid is worth more to me than all five of you. Watch your tongue. Unlike you, they’ve earned my trust and respect. I suggest you walk on eggshells until such a time I see you like that as well.”

He couldn’t see the five knight’s facial expression, but he could almost hear them clench their teeth. Such distrust was a blatant form of disrespect for someone who swore their lives to protect and aid him. He knew that, but it was their task to protect everyone before him. Yet, they all died miserable deaths.

Every Teralis male except him had been sent to an early because of their mistakes. If that wasn’t a crime worthy of his distrust, he couldn’t imagine what was.

He spurred his charger forward. The massive horse huffed as it took dainty steps forward. Godwin smiled every time he saw this scene. It was one of the primary reasons he fell in love with it… other than it was dirt cheap to purchase.

Its grey coat mirrored the cloudy sky above as it rode out onto the rode with majesty. He kept his chest up and chin high as he rode next to the carriage that Mother Melissa rode in. She moved the cloth that covered the thick glass of the window.

He was sure she could barely see anything distinctly, but it was enough to see her kind smile. Even if it was distorted by the unrefined glass. He would need to recreate the thin see through forms he had witnessed repeatedly in his dreams. That form of glass would cause a massive stir in the noble world. It would alos make him filthy rich if he could keep the secret to his county alone.

But he would have to make it there first.

“It's a fine horse, child.” she said loud enough for him to hear. “Princesses would swoon at your sight.”

His smile only grew at her words. They were coated with sugar and covered in an extra layer of honey, but it still made his mood that much better.

“We have little time, Master.” Thram interrupted. “Let us hurry to the county where there are thousands of men willing to die for you. Here we are vulnerable.” He urged the group forward as he moved at a faster from a walking speed to a canter. Just fast enough to cross the distance, but not enough to kill the horses from exhaustion.

They made good time as they cleared the rugged mountains with little trouble. It took them four days, but they passed quickly, occasionally giving the horses time to rest. Even then, they met very few people other than the occasional wanderer walking up the road towards the fort. Many who took this chance to beg for anything, even if they carried massive bags.

Instead of responding, the group just rode past without looking back once. Godwin had met many of these beggars. Then again, they were all dishonored knights hoping to make enough money to settle down and rest until the grave found its way to them.

It would have been his own fate, had this unfortunate situation not occurred.

So without the others noticing, he would drop a few copper coins onto the ground as they sped past the individuals. It soothed his chest, but he was running out of coins. He’d soon be unable to help lest he starve himself.

It was a small charity he hoped would please the Father above. A bit of luck on this long journey would go a long way to help him survive.