Who even needs goals to move forward?

A rich-looking carriage was driving along the dusty road. All the details literally screamed that whoever was travelling in it was a very rich and noble person: from the coachman, who looked solid and dignified even in comparison to some aristocrats, to the best attendants who were a part of Knights of Favonius. Suddenly, a man on horseback rode towards the slowly travelling carriage, from the look of him one could tell at once: he was in a hurry. Having shortened the distance, the rider, who had been passed by the guard of the carriage, knocked on the door. The curtains that had previously blocked the view moved aside and the rider was met with the questioning gaze of a red-haired man with aristocratic looks. - Mr Crepus, the lady is about to give birth! - Why did you come here in such a hurry? To tell me that? While I respect it, I would've been informed the moment we came home. The aristocrat's eyebrow rose in mute question. - The doctor you hired for Madam's pregnancy, he... He suddenly felt sick a few hours before it started. It was so bad that he couldn't even speak. He's laying in one of the rooms in the manor right now. The red-haired man's eyes widened, and he shouted sharply: - Send someone to town for a physician! Coachman, speed up the horses! The orders were immediately carried out: one of the knights turned his horse round, and rode in the opposite direction from the carriage, while the coachman sped up the harnessed animals as fast as he could. The messenger began to follow the carriage. The red-haired man was tapping his foot nervously on the floor of the carriage, trying to find a way out of the situation: there was no one to deliver his wife's baby, and the healer from the city would not be able to do it in time. Something had to be done, and it was urgent. "Well... What can I do? I can't think of anything... Is this how it's supposed to be? I should just sit silently knowing that my wife and child might die because I wasn't careful enough to hire another healer ahead of time?! Oh, Archons... Please help me, save my family!" Suddenly, all the horses stopped, and started trying to run away, screaming in fear. Trying to figure out what was wrong, Crepus looked outside, flinching slightly at what he saw: walking down the road, right in their path, was a red-haired, seemingly eighteen-year-old boy, who only had a cloak made from somewhat familiar skin. However, something else made him flinch: the stranger was... Covered in snow and blood from head to toe, leaving a red trail of it behind him. Since the blood trail was coming from the direction of Dragon Ridge, the snow on his body was understandable. But the amount of blood on him... "No, now is not the time for that. We need to get him out of the way. Although, it wouldn't hurt to try my luck..." The stranger, meanwhile, approached the carriage, still untouched by the guards: they were still unable to calm their horses, which had gone mad from the strong smell of blood and the aura of terror that hovered around the abnormal hollow, who was the "boy" that approached them. - ...I apologise for this mess. The city is in that direction, right? The stranger's pleasant voice soothed the mind, and the deep eyes, in which a vast array of emotions splashed, lingered, but Crepus immediately forced himself to look away. - Yes, you're right. May I ask you something, young man? The aristocrat watched the young man's reaction carefully, becoming more and more convinced that it was worth at least trying: there was a flicker of surprise in the young man's eyes, and then he smiled softly, chuckling slightly. - Young man, huh... Alright, ask your question, Mister... He glanced questioningly at the aristocrat. - Crepus Ragnvindr, owner of the Dawn Winery. Do you have any knowledge of medicine, young man? The boy's face became a little puzzled. - Well, yes, I suppose you could say that. Why this question? Crepus could hardly contain his joy at this good fortune. - I need your help, young man. You see... He quickly explained the situation to the stranger. - Childbirth, hmm? That will be easy, I have some experience in that field of medicine. Your mansion is that way, right? It was just perfect. - So, do you agree, young man? Since that's the case, I'll give you my family's crest to let the servants pass you by, and a horse to get you there as quickly as possible. Have you ever rode a horse before? Holding out the family crest to the young man, Crepus looked questioningly into his eyes. - A horse, eh? I don't need such things. Under the surprised stares of everyone present, he rushed off in the direction of the manor. However, Crepus could have sworn that he ran much faster than the horse: a few moments after the start, he disappeared from sight. - Truly a divine blessing... That day, Crepus promised to himself that he would pray to the archons every night.

***

- This is Crepus Ragnvindr's mansion, isn't it? A red-haired stranger covered in blood appeared in front of the guards. The two guards reacted quickly, drawing their swords and standing in defensive stances. - State your name and the purpose of arrival. The grey-haired guard with a heavy gaze carefully examined the stranger's appearance. The boy reeked of blood and danger, something he hadn't felt in a long time. "This young man is one to be careful with." - I am a physician sent by Lord Crepus Ragnvindr to help with his wife's childbirth. Here is the proof. He held out the Ragnvindr family crest. To the old warrior's surprise, it was not fake. - I will escort you to the lady, Mr Physician. ''So he's going to watch my every move? Huh... Well, I'm not going to do anything suspicious or criminal anyway." He was quickly escorted into the manor, where a maid immediately approached them. - Who is this young man, Kairan? The old guard didn't even move under the maid's suspicious gaze. - He is the physician sent by Mr Crepus to assist in the childbirth the Lady will commit soon. The red-haired man immediately fell upon the manor workers’ examining gaze. - So much blood dripping on the floor, and that smell..... The red-haired man's stare became mocking, and a smirk touched his lips. - I apologise. So as not to stain the floor, carpets, and air of this manor, I will find the nearest river, wash myself there, and wash my cloak. Your Lady's baby will be born by then. He turned around, made a mocking bow, and strode deliberately slowly away from the maid. "The boy knows his way with words. Worthy of respect, especially at his age." The grey-haired warrior nodded to himself. - I apologise for her. She's a bit inexperienced, so I hope she deserves mercy. I will escort you to the Lady at once. What tools will you need? The old maid who appeared out of nowhere bowed, causing her younger colleague to do the same, having her face frozen with a grimace of fear and confusion. - Hm. I will need two buckets with hot water, a towel, a scalpel, clean threads and a clean needle. The threads and needle should be the smallest size you have. With a slight gesture, the old maid motioned the younger one away, and called over several other workers, voicing to them the items required. Returning to the red-haired man, she bowed again and led him into a room where a woman layed on a bed, her face in pain and her large belly speaking for itself. To make her feel better, she was held by the hands of several maids, speaking soothing words. By the time they reached her, the panting maids rushed into the room, holding what the young man, now a physician, had demanded. - As you requested, Mr Physician. He walked over to one bucket of water, dipping his hands into it. The previously clear water instantly turned red. Taking his hands out of there, he asked the workers to remove the bucket, while he himself took a scalpel, and approached the suffering woman. - Please bear with it, I'll try to make this quick. The woman opened her eyes, looking at his face. - Crepus, is that you? Thank you for supporting me... She shuddered again, clutching at the maids hands. The red-haired man, concentrating, began his work.

***

- Welcome home, Mr Crepus. The estate workers gathered at the entrance, and bowing, greeted their master. - Did the red-haired young man who introduced himself as the doctor I sent came? The girl bowed once more. - Yes, sir. Crepus nodded. - Good. Was the operation finished already? They reached the right door, and the maid let her master inside. - Greetings, sir. The old guard and the maid bowed to the newcomer, and the red-haired man simply nodded. Everything indicated that the operation had been a success: the mother had a towel-wrapped baby in her arms, and she was smiling softly as she rocked it, but.... For some reason, the young man who performed the operation had a serious, thoughtful face. - Was something wrong, young man? Crepus asked cautiously, walking over to his wife and hugging her. - The operation was a success, there were no mistakes or anything, however... Your wife is weakening. At this rate, she'll be dead in a few hours. I don't know the cause, but it's likely her body just can't take it. This news made Crepus' face darken and he squeezed his wife tighter. - Is there anything that can be done about it? I'll pay for any medication. Things were going too well, he couldn't let his wife die in his arms before she had a chance to raise their son. - Medication, hmm. I have one way to help your wife. Hope has returned to Crepus's heart. - Tell me what I need to get. The young man grinned, and walked over to the bed. He slid his right hand out from under his cloak and brought it to his mouth. At the puzzled and slightly wary looks, he sighed, and withdrew his hand briefly. - Allright, I'll explain. My blood, like the rest of my body, contains an enormous amount of energy. I will endeavour to reduce it to a non-lethal amount, and purify it and then give it to your wife to drink. That way, she will regain her vitality and will be able to live on. It's quite possible that she will even become healthier than before. The eyes of everyone present were full of suspicion and distrust, but Crepus, taking a deep breath, stopped the servants from taking any action or speaking out. - Very well, young man, I will trust you. However, know that if my wife gets worse, you will be in trouble. The young man nodded and was about to begin, but the old guard held out his sword. At first the red-haired guest was a bit confused, but then he seemed to realise something, and shook his head with a grin. - It's pointless, Mr Guardian. He rolled his eyes at the raised eyebrow, drew the sword, and swung it with all his might at his arm. All those present watched in surprise as metal shards fell to the floor. There wasn't even a scratch on his arm. - I apologise for the damaged sword. I think I will proceed with the treatment of the Lady. He tossed the hilt, the only surviving part of the sword, to the Kairan, and stood still for a moment, focusing. A few seconds later, he bit down on his hand and brought it to the mouth of the woman who had been lying on the bed cradling her child. Giving her husband a questioning glance, she received a slight squeeze of his hand and a confident nod in return. Calmly, she squeezed her husband's hand too, and with a fiery determination, she began to drink the blood of the young man she had mistaken for her husband during the painful operation. Almost a minute later, the young man removed his hand under his cloak. Everyone present, meanwhile, was watching the woman whose face had smoothed out, a healthy blush appeared on her cheeks, and even her aura had become more.... Energetic? That was the nearest thing to what everyone saw. Crepus was surprised to note that his wife looked much younger. While everyone was processing the miracle that had just happened before their eyes, the red-haired physician suddenly staggered, putting his hand against the wall to keep his balance. The old warrior noticed this, and instantly came close and took the young man, who had already started to fall, in his arms. - What is the matter with you, young man? Is there anything we can do to help? Crepus quickly approached as well, scrutinising his new acquaintance. - Everything... I'm fine, it's just... The wounds and lack of rest during the... Huff... A few days. His head was down, and he seemed to have fallen asleep. A pool of blood that, Crepus only now noticed, had been flowing out of the young man all this time immediately caught his eye. Blood scent hit his nose, being especially strong in close proximity to the young man. - Take him to his room and examine his wounds. Don't let him bleed out! The order was immediately put into action: the old warrior quickly carried his burden to the nearest available room, and the maid, who had been waiting for orders before, quickly ran through her colleagues to fetch bandages and anything else that would be needed. Crepus' thoughts were by no means cheerful either. "I was so selfish... So happy that my family was alright that I didn't even notice that my benefactor had been dying all this time.... Is that really why I couldn't become a knight...?" He clenched his hand into a fist, angry at himself. "Since I made such a mistake... If-, no, when he recovers, I... Yes, it's decided: I will take responsibility for my mistake."