Chained Hearts: From Slavery to Sovereignty
Chapter 80: The sword that had accompanied him.

Chapter 80: Chapter 80: The sword that had accompanied him.

The reward had been this sword. It was a masterpiece, forged by Morthagar’s finest blacksmiths. The sword was imbued with the essence of the land’s power. It was a symbol of his strength and skill.

But it was also a reminder of the path he had walked to get here. A path of hardship, sacrifice, and unyielding determination. The emperor had presented it to him. It was a rare honor that solidified Cassian’s place in Morthagar’s history.

Cassian ran his fingers lightly over the hilt. He could feel the familiar texture beneath his skin. The sword was more than just a weapon to him. It was a part of who he had become.

It had been a constant companion through every battle, every challenge. As he lifted the sword, the blue flames flickered along the blade. They seemed to pulse in time with his heartbeat. The light danced in the room like living fire.

He held the sword out in front of him. He studied it with quiet reverence. Its beauty was undeniable. But it was the power contained within it that gave him pause.

This was no ordinary weapon. It was a conduit of the very magic that coursed through the world. It was a force that Cassian had learned to wield as easily as his own breath.

Cassian’s mind drifted for a moment. He remembered the days before his victory in the Battle of Swords. He had faced opponents who were older, wiser, and more experienced.

Each one was more skilled than the last. But he had pushed through. He had relied on his instincts, his drive, and the primal instinct to survive because he also knew it was his chance to sign, or again he would be just a speck of dust easily forgotten in the background.

This sword was a declaration that Cassian was no longer the nameless servant from Aetheryln. He was a master in his own right.

He sheathed the sword again. The sound of the steel sliding into its scabbard filled the room. The brief moment of reflection passed.

With one last glance at the sword, he turned toward the door.

Cassian’s hand rested on the doorknob. His grip was firm as he pushed the door open.

His boots clicked against the floor again as he stepped into the hallway. The sword was at his side. Now he could not waste any time; he had to depart for the Galdreth as soon as possible.

Cassian found Orion just outside his room, probably waiting for his next command.

When Orion spotted him, he hurriedly walked toward his side and looked at him with expectations, probably guessing that Leader Hayes was going on a new mission.

Cassian nodded at him and said in a cold tone, "Ask the Vanguard to prepare for departure. We are going to depart this morning on a new mission," Cassian said while walking in the hallways. Orion walked behind him, taking note of Cassian’s words.

He became disappointed when Cassian passed no other commands. He stuttered, "Leader Hayes... who will accompany you on the mission?" he asked hastily.

Cassian stopped and, without looking back, announced, "Aside from the team, there will be five top trainees from the training ground who will also join to gain hands-on experience."

Cassian could see the light in Orion’s eyes, his gaze shining with excitement. It was clear that Orion had already figured out what was coming.

Everyone in the training grounds wanted to be powerful knights and sword masters like Leader Hayes.

The chance to fight alongside him was a rare honor. It would be an opportunity to prove oneself in the field and earn recognition from the legendary leader. Orion’s face lit up with joy, his youthful enthusiasm impossible to miss.

Orion’s heart swelled with pride. He was currently second in rank among the trainees, and this mission was more than just another duty; it was a chance to stand side by side with the greatest warrior he had ever known.

He could already imagine himself fighting in battle, his sword clashing with enemies, all while under Cassian’s watchful eyes. The thought of it filled him with excitement.

Without wasting a moment, Orion turned on his heel and dashed down the hallway, his feet light with excitement. His destination was clear—he needed to speak to Sir Alistair.

Sir Alistair was the Vanguard of Leader Hayes’ camp, his right-hand man, and second in command in their tent. He was the one who coordinated everything, and it was his responsibility to ensure the team was prepared for any mission.

Orion’s excitement made his steps faster as he approached Alistair’s quarters. He reached the door and knocked quickly before entering.

"Sir Alistair! Sir Alistair!" Orion called out eagerly. "Leader Hayes has given the orders! We’re preparing to depart tomorrow, and it looks like we’re taking five of the top trainees from the guard along with us!"

Alistair, who was seated at his desk, looked up from his work with a raised eyebrow. His face softened when he saw Orion’s enthusiasm, but he remained calm as always.

"I see," Alistair said, leaning back in his chair. "So it’s official. We’ll be moving out tomorrow?" He placed a hand on his chin thoughtfully before standing up.

"Then we better get ready. Tell the trainees to gather their things. We’ll need to be ready before the break of dawn. Leader Hayes won’t tolerate delays."

Orion nodded eagerly. "I’ll get them! Thank you, Sir Alistair!"

Without another word, Orion rushed out of Alistair’s quarters and back into the hallway. He was already thinking of which of his friends he would tell first.

This was the kind of news they had all been waiting for. A chance to join the mission, to prove their worth, to become something more.

Meanwhile, Cassian stood in the hallway, his thoughts already focused on the mission ahead. He didn’t waste time looking back to see if Orion had run off—he knew the boy would be excited.

He knew what it meant to Orion; at one time he was also just a young boy with ambitions who wanted to shine and gain recognition.

And opportunities like this hardly came to young people. Cassian hoped that what he had faced during those times would not be something his people would ever have to endure.

The sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway, and Cassian didn’t need to turn to know who it was.

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