Chapter 54: The Weight of Rebuilding
The sound of hooves drummed steadily in the distance, the rhythmic thudding breaking the silence of the early morning. Valerian turned his head just slightly, watching as a group of riders emerged from the haze of the horizon. They were draped in worn cloaks and carried little more than their weapons, but their faces were determined—searching for something more than just the next town.
"More travelers," Lira noted, her voice steady but curious. She and Selene stood beside him, their gazes following the group as they approached.
Valerian nodded slowly. "They’re looking for what we’re offering. And more will follow."
Kael leaned against the stone wall beside the campfire, arms crossed. "Let’s just hope they’re not expecting a quick fix."
Selene looked down, her fingers absently tugging at the hem of her cloak. "There’s no such thing. You can’t undo the damage of centuries in a day."
"We can, though," Valerian said, his voice firm. "But not through shortcuts. No system. No commands. People have to learn how to do it themselves."
The riders pulled up at the edge of the camp, their horses’ breath visible in the chilly morning air. There were five in total, their leader—a woman with short-cropped hair and the worn expression of someone who had seen too many wars—dismounted first.
"We’ve heard stories," she said, her voice carrying an edge of skepticism but tempered with hope. "You four. You’re the ones who broke the chains."
Valerian studied her for a moment before answering. "We broke what needed breaking. The chains that held everyone in place. The rest is up to you."