Chained Hearts: From Slavery to Sovereignty
Chapter 84: Strange Village

Chapter 84: Chapter 84: Strange Village

The sun rose higher as the group continued their journey. The sound of hooves on the dirt road filled the air. Birds chirped, and leaves rustled in the wind. Cassian led the group at the front, and everyone followed behind him in a neat row.

The road became narrower with each passing day. The plains become rocky terrain and dense woods. The landscape grew more rugged and isolated. Villages became rare and finding an inn was impossible. They had been taking rest in the open of the forest.

Finally, on the fifth day, they reached a small village. The village had a few wooden huts surrounded by a weak wooden fence. Smoke rises from some chimneys. The air smelled faintly of livestock. When the group arrived at the entrance of the village, the expression of villagers froze.

A farmer carrying a bucket of water stopped. His face turned pale as he rushed into his house. Children near the fence were pulled indoors by their mothers. The village grew silent except for the growl of a stray dog.

Cassian frowned and stopped his horse. "What is happening here?"

"They are scared of us," Llyris said in a quiet voice.

"Why would they fear knights?" Orion asked with a confused expression.

"They do not just fear us," Keren said. His sharp eyes scanned the people hiding behind their doors. "They do not trust us either."

Cassian dismounted from his horse and signaled for the others to do the same. He walked toward a hut. An old man stood at the door holding a wooden cane. The man’s face looked tired, and his eyes were wary.

"Sir," Cassian said. His voice was calm and respectful. "We are knights of Morthagar. We mean no harm. We only need a place to stay for the night."

The man’s grip on his cane tightened. "Knights?" he asked in a shaky voice. "What do knights want in a village like this?"

"We are on our way to Galerath," Cassian said. "Your village is the only place nearby. We can pay for food and shelter."

The man shook his head and stepped back. "No one will welcome you here. You should go back from where you came." The old man said and disappeared behind his door.

Cassian looked at Alistair. Alistair whispered, "Why are they acting like we are monsters?"

A woman carrying a basket spoke from a distance. "Strangers came before. They brought monsters with them. Many people died."

Cassian stepped forward. His tone was firm. "We are not like them. We are here to protect, not harm. If you are in trouble, we can help."

The villagers whispered among themselves. An older man stepped forward. He looked strong and carried himself with confidence.

"I am Edran," the man said. "I lead this village. Your arrival may bring danger. The monsters come often enough already."

"We can fight the monsters," Oronik said in a steady voice.

Edran sighed. "You might fight them, but we will suffer if they come in greater numbers."

Cassian spoke again after a pause. "We will not be a burden. We will pay for shelter, and we will protect the village if monsters attack."

Edran stared at Cassian for a moment. Then he nodded. "You can stay, but only in my brother’s house. His family left to stay in the next village. The house is empty, so no one will be disturbed."

"Many people said that they will fight the monster. But in the end, no one survives; this village has seen so many deaths." The man said and left them without looking back.

Cassian was confused by his words but still nodded. "That is enough. Thank you."

The other old man gestured for them to follow. "I will show you the way."

The group led their horses through the narrow streets. Villagers watched from a distance. No one came close.

The old man brought them to a small house with a thatched roof. A vegetable garden grew in the back. He gave Cassian the key. His expression stayed cautious. "Stay quiet and cause no trouble. I will send food later."

Cassian accepted the key. "Thank you for your help."

The room was dark. Only the glow of the hearth lit the wooden walls. The group sat in a circle. Some sat on chairs. Others sat on the floor.

They waited for the food they were promised. The cold behavior of the villagers still lingered. No one spoke, but the tension was clear.

Oronik broke the silence. "This is strange. People do not act like this around knights. They act like we are monsters."

"They are scared," Keren said. He leaned back against the wall. His silver hair caught the firelight. It shimmered faintly. "Fear makes people act without reason. In their mind, we are just another threat to them."

Alistair scoffed. He threw a small piece of wood into the fire. "Without reason? Maybe. But you would think they would ask for our help. Instead, they treat us like we will destroy their village."

"People do not ask for help if they are too afraid to trust," Llyris said. His cheerful tone was missing. His twin, Ivis, stayed quiet but nodded.

"Did you hear what the woman said earlier?" Orion asked. His brow was furrowed. "’Strangers bring trouble.’ What kind of trouble have they seen?"

"Probably mercenaries," Aerich said. He sharpened his dagger slowly. "The kind who kill one or two monsters and then leave the rest for the villagers."

"Or worse," Orion added. "The kind who run fast at the time of danger, only thinking about saving their skin."

Cassian had been silent until now. He finally spoke. His voice was calm and steady. "It does not matter what they think. We have a job to do. If monsters attack, we will fight them."

Oronik nodded. "Fair enough. But we should be careful. If they do not trust us, they might not warn us of danger."

A knock on the door broke the conversation. The group turned at once. Their hands went to their weapons.

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