Breaking Point
@deathblightprince
Radahn soon returned, with his army. The trip did not take too long, and everything went smoothly. His men, while surprised, were happy to see him alive, and once he explained them what happened - leaving out the worst details - and how Godwyn, who returned, had saved him, they were eager to help out. They have been fighting a hopeless battle for a long time. Now they would once more have a worthy cause, and their beloved general back.
He reported back to Godwyn when he returned, while his men settled in.
It seemed everything was going well, but inside, he had been falling apart. Seeing the devastation in his old home, and how few were really left, was painful. And while he did not tell anyone, he was filled with dread the whole time. Memories of the rot came back in full force, along with the fear that he might get infected again. He never expected to be afraid.
Being out of there again was a relief, and he made sure to eat the boluses his men offered. They supposedly prevented infection.
On top of that, he also learned his faithful old Jerren was gone. He should have expected it, but the news still broke his heart. They had a deep bond, and Radahn missed him dearly.
After his return, the nightmares got worse. That fragment of Miquella's grace, still embedded in his soul, seemed to gain more and more... sentience. And it tormented him. It knew all his fears, all the memories he'd rather forget.
How weak you really are, Lord Brother... all your strength, all your magic power, and you are still brought down by something as small as an echo of me.
He tried to avoid sleeping, and he still did not seek help. They had much to plan with Godwyn, and he buried himself in work.
But he was breaking apart, slowly, day by day.
