Chained Hearts: From Slavery to Sovereignty
Chapter 93: Monster’s Attack

Chapter 93: Chapter 93: Monster’s Attack

On the next morning of Celebration, Cassian and his group resumed their journey toward Galdreth. The forest grew denser as they moved deeper into the wilderness.

The towering trees cast long shadows over the uneven path. After several days, their cart was empty now. The barrels that were once filled with clean water were dry. The sacks of food were gone as well.

Cassian walked at the front of the group. His sword was strapped securely to his side. However, his thoughts drifted to the night before they left the village.

The memory was still vivid in his mind, as if it had happened just yesterday. The villagers had thrown a feast in their honor. They had gathered whatever they could salvage for the celebration. Cassian remembered the warmth of the bonfire and the sound of laughter filling the air.

An elderly woman had clasped his hands with surprising strength. Her weathered face broke into a wide smile.

"My son lost his life because of that monster; now I am happy that no mother will go through the same pain as mine." She said with a small smile. Her wrinkled face filled with sorrow at the thought of her son.

It was not just her, he could feel the countless eyes on him and their silent thanks expressed by their eyes. Seeing their relieved expression, Cassian felt the calmness engulfing his heart.

The children had been the most enthusiastic. Their eyes were wide with admiration as they crowded around the knights. They tugged at Cassian’s tunic and asked endless questions about his sword and battles.

He remembered their joy as they played and danced around the fire. Their innocence was a stark contrast to the horrors they had endured.

It wasn’t just gratitude he saw in the villagers’ eyes. He noticed their resilience and determination to rebuild. It reminded him why they fought and why they kept pressing on despite the hardships.

Cassian’s thoughts were interrupted by Keren. He walked beside him and nudged his arm. "Lost in thought again?" Keren asked. His voice was light despite the fatigue hanging over the group.

Cassian nodded and did not elaborate. He glanced back at the others instead. Orion and Ivis were speaking quietly. Their heads bent as they discussed something about the route ahead. Aerich Ford walked in silence. His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings for any signs of danger.

The group continued their journey through the dense forest. They were close to Galdreth now. But the longer they moved closer to the Galdreth, the stranger it felt. Something about the air felt wrong. It was heavy and stifling. It was cold despite the midday sun.

Cassian’s grip on the reins tightened. His horse suddenly whinnied and flattened its ears in fear. The other horses followed suit. They stomped and snorted nervously. Keren’s mount reared, forcing him to leap off. He grabbed its reins to stop it from bolting.

"Focus your attention, something is coming towards us." Cassian dismounted swiftly. His sword sang as it left its scabbard.

The forest grew eerily quiet. The usual sounds of birds and rustling leaves vanished. Without warning, the ground beneath their feet trembled. A low guttural growl echoed through the trees. It grew louder and closer with each passing second.

Then they came.

A horde of monsters emerged from the shadows. Each was more grotesque than the last. At the forefront was a towering beast with a spiked armor-like hide. Its eyes glowed a sickly yellow.

Massive claws raked the earth as it charged. Its roar sent shivers down their spines. Cassian recognized it as a Spinescourge. The creature was known for its impenetrable defenses and deadly strength.

Behind it swarmed smaller faster creatures. Their lanky bodies were covered in matted fur. Elongated jaws snapped open, revealing rows of needle-like teeth. These were Skulkrats. They were known to attack in packs and overwhelm prey with sheer numbers.

Above them, the treetops shook. Winged horrors descended with leathery wings beating the air. Their elongated necks craned forward. They spat acidic bile that sizzled when it hit the ground. These were Shriekers, infamous for their piercing cries and corrosive attacks.

"Motherfucker! Is the entire monster lair had come for us?" Alistair hooted with a whistle as his eyes glow with murderous intent.

"Time for some fun," he shouted and charged at the monsters.

"How could so many monsters appear at the same time? Oronik wondered aloud. But nonetheless he also charged behind the Alistair, who had already started killing the monsters.

"You are right, it seems strange." Morren nodded at Oronik’s word and also charged at the monsters.

The trainees were baffled by the sheer amount of the monsters, but soon their spirit to fight and kill monsters was ignited, and they all charged at the monsters with full spirit.

"Hold your ground." Cassian raised his sword as the first wave hit.

The Spinescourge barreled forward. It swung massive claws toward Cassian. He sidestepped in time. The ground split open where the claws struck.

Cassian moved with calculated precision. He aimed for the beast’s exposed underbelly and drove his blade deep. The creature howled in pain but did not fall.

Alistair faced off against the swarm of Skulkrats. His sword flashed in the dim light. One lunged at him with its teeth snapping inches from his face. He twisted and drove his blade through its chest.

Another leaped onto his back. Its claws raked his armor. He reached over his shoulder, grabbed its spindly neck, and slammed it to the ground. He finished it with a clean strike.

Orion and Ivis fought back-to-back. Shriekers dove at them from above. One screeched and spat bile. Ivis rolled to the side as the ground hissed where he had been standing. he retaliated with a perfectly timed throw of his dagger. It pierced the creature’s throat. It spiraled to the ground and fell still.

Orion swung his sword upward. A Shrieker flew down low. He swung his weapon and cut through its wing.

The creature crashed into a tree. Orion finished it off without hesitation.

From the corner of his eye, Cassian saw a new threat. A huge beast with a body covered in twisting tentacles stomped into the open area.

Its large head had no features except for a wide mouth filled with sharp, pointed teeth. This creature was a Voidmaw. It used its tentacles to grab and trap its prey.

"Voidmaw!" Cassian shouted to warn the others.