Chapter 139: To Last Forever
Gypsies were known for their freedom, unburdened by official bonds or pompous titles. It was rare for them to seek leadership or to assign representatives to speak on their behalf, as their presence was always fleeting, and their place of residence never fixed.
Living without the constraints of conventional society, the nomads fought fiercely to preserve their independence. Traveling across the continent had taught them a harsh lesson about submission—once you bow your head, even once, your neck would forever bear the weight of power’s chains, invisible but suffocating.
The Gypsies were content with their choice to remain leaderless. That is, until a young man named Rhaegar appeared, as if from nowhere. He exuded such an overwhelming aura of strength and power that it was impossible to ignore, let alone control.
The only descendant of their clan’s most powerful witch, Rhaegar had already unlocked his formidable powers.
When he joined his mother’s people during their darkest hours, his natural leadership skills, sharp intellect, and decisiveness quickly earned him the respect and admiration of nearly every member of the tribe.
And yet, there were those who remained silent, their resentment simmering beneath the surface. They despised Rhaegar’s arrogance, his charm, and his ease in commanding attention.
Now, those dissenters had their chance to prove their point—that once you bow your head, the weight of the chains will always pull you down.
***
When the final preparations were complete, the bright orange disc of the setting summer sun hung low in the sky, bathing the entire meadow in its fiery glow.