Once I served the god of justice. I was loved by many, hailed as a hero.
Some said I saved the world. That may be, but it cost me dearly.
The wizard that threatened our land was evil, but the gods thought to redeem him, use his power for good.
I think if he had not hurt my wife that faithful day he might be alive today.
But he nearly killed her, and I saw red.
I opened his body from his navel to his throat and watched him die. My god denounced me. He took my power away.
They said I should repent, but I couldn't. I did not deserve to call myself a servant of justice anymore.
I took my wife and we went away. In a village at the edge of the land we settled. We adopted children, and they had children of their own.
I tended the farm, my wife worked as a healer.
It was a peaceful life. Now, nearly fifty years later, my wife is dead, our children live their own lives...and I am still here, tending my fields.
I am 71 years old, my bones ache and creak with every movement. Still, I think I am in good shop for being a great grandmother.
That will help, because the goblins stir in the woods. A number of villages have been attacked in recent weeks.
Our elder (5 years younger than me and an insufferable fool) wants to pay tribute to save the village. Idiot. I know what goblins do. I go into the basement and open my old chest. Everything is still there. The armour, the shield, the sword.
I take sword and shield, ignoring the heavy armour.
As I climb back down Armin stands at the foot of the ladder, his arms crossed.
"what exactly do you think you are doing, gran?"
I stand straight and put on the shield. "What needs to be done. This fool is going to open our gates for our butchers, and someone has to do something. You should take your family and hide in the caves. I will protect who I can and meet you there."
He looks at me for a few seconds, then he swallows the tears that form in his eyes. "No, you won't. And you know it. Is this your way of following her?"
I shake my head, then hesitate. "Maybe. But I am old, I lived my life, and I am so tired. Let me go on my own terms. Please."
He watches me carefully, then nods abruptly. He opened his mouth to say something as a scream pierced the quiet.
"They're here. Go, take as many as you can and run for the caves. I will take out as many as I can" "but..." "GO!"
He flinched and takes a step back. I turn towards the front door and draw my sword.
Suddenly time seems to stop, and a familiar power rises within my soul.
No...I never repented...why is he
"Hello Maya." That's not him...this voice sounds...younger, somehow.
"who are you? Why did you chose me? I'm old and frail and can not worship you or bring glory in your name."
I hear him chuckle. "Oh, you do worship me with every breathe you take. You praise me every morning. Every moment of your life brought me glory. You even lead others to pray to me. After all, what else is there for you than
