Chained Hearts: From Slavery to Sovereignty
Chapter 81: Going towards Galdreth

Chapter 81: Chapter 81: Going towards Galdreth

Orion was back, his steps fast and eager as he approached.

"Leader Hayes," Orion called out, panting slightly from his run. "Sir Alistair has given the order. The trainees will be ready by tomorrow morning."

Cassian gave a small nod. "Good. I’ll be in the camp by dawn. Make sure everyone knows where they’re supposed to be."

Orion beamed. "I will, Leader Hayes. I’ll make sure everything is in place."

Cassian looked at Orion then, his eyes softening just for a moment. "You’ve worked hard. I expect the trainees to follow your example."

Orion’s chest swelled with pride, but he quickly nodded. "I won’t let you down."

"Good. We leave at first light. Make sure everyone knows the stakes. It’s not just a training exercise. This mission is real."

"I understand," Orion said with a sharp nod. "I’ll make sure they know, Leader Hayes."

Cassian didn’t say anything more. Instead, he turned to leave, his boots clicking steadily against the stone floor as he walked toward his room.

Orion stood there for a moment and watched as Leader Hayes went back to his room. A renewed sense of purpose filled his chest. He felt as though he could conquer anything. Now that he had finally been given a chance to prove himself, he wasn’t about to waste it.

Excitement bubbled up inside Orion as he ran through the camp. He had to tell his friends and the other trainees who would depart tomorrow. After all, it was the news they had all been waiting for. He found them gathered near the training grounds, laughing and joking with each other, unaware of the news he was about to share.

"Everyone! Gather around!" Orion called out breathlessly, waving his arms to get their attention.

The group turned to face him, confusion quickly turning to curiosity. "What’s going on, Orion?" one of them asked.

"You won’t believe it!" Orion said, his voice practically vibrating with excitement. "Leader Hayes has ordered a new mission! And guess what? We’re going with him! Five of the top trainees are going along to gain real experience!"

The others stared at him in shock, their eyes wide with disbelief.

"No way!" one of them exclaimed. "Are you serious?"

Orion grinned from ear to ear. "I’m serious! We leave tomorrow morning, so start getting your gear ready. This is our chance!"

The camp burst into excited chatter as the trainees scrambled to prepare for the mission. Orion couldn’t help but smile.

He was finally going to fight alongside the person he admired most. He was finally going to prove himself.

It was a moment he had been waiting for, and nothing would stop him now.

Next Morning

Cassian woke up at dawn. There was still darkness in the camp, but he could hear the hustle of various people walking in the camp.

He guessed almost everyone in the camp had been made aware of the new mission, and most of them were probably busy packing and storing the rations they would bring with them.

Cassian also got up and, after a bath, donned a white tunic with black pants and leather boots.

He fastened a wide leather belt around his waist, designed to carry essential items and weapons. From beneath his pillow, he retrieved a bronze dagger and secured it in the belt.

Over his attire, he donned light armor, complemented by a flowing blue cape fastened with a brooch bearing the emblem of a blue eagle.

Fully prepared, he took up his sword and stepped out of his room.

Cassian arrived at the front of the base camp and looked at the already assembled people.

There were a total of nine people assembled there. He was surprised to see that Alistair was also there.

"Are you going too?" Cassian asked Alistair with a raise of his brows.

"I have become bored after staying here for an entire year! Now it’s time to have some fun. Don’t you think, Cassian?" Alistair replied with a shrug.

"Suit yourself," Cassian replied in a nonchalant tone. He could not care less. Alistair’s mood was really unpredictable.

Some months ago, it was Alistair who had declared in front of the entire camp that he wanted to take a break from all these missions in a pitiful tone and that he would not touch any missions for the time being.

Cassian passed him and walked toward his own horse and started brushing its mane. The horse neighed in delight after seeing its owner.

"Hey! Are you not going to ask me why I suddenly want to go on this mission?"

Alistair asked loudly after being bluntly ignored by Cassian. He was left speechless by the indifferent look of his friend.

Alistair’s expression became more downcast when he heard the muffled sound of laughter behind his back. He cracked his knuckles, ready to give a good beating to those who dared to laugh at him.

It was Morren Roneyev and Oronik Faelor, the remaining two members of their team, who had fought alongside him on various missions.

All four of them shared a very close relationship, but now looking at their smiling faces and sneers, Alistair wanted to punch them and remove the smug expressions from their faces.

Instead of asking about his change of heart, they were busy making fun of him.

Alistair decided it was better to ignore them. He couldn’t waste his energy on these people, or every time he saw them, the urge to punch them would intensify.

"Hmph!" He huffed loudly and walked toward the group of young trainees. It was better to talk to them instead of these scoundrels. At least they looked at him with respect.

"Hey, Alistair, wait! Don’t ignore us. We’re also coming," Morren Roneyev and Oronik Faelor called, chasing the retreating figure of Alistair.

Cassian looked at the bickering figures of his friends, and unconsciously a smile appeared on his face.

He also walked behind them. After all, a formal speech would be better for the young trainees. It was their first time on a mission, so he had to warn them about various situations.