The Gilded Chain

In a realm where discarded, rebellious boys find their calling at Ironhall, they are forged into an elite order known as the Blades. Through a magical, harrowing ritual involving a sword through the heart, each Blade is bound by absolute loyalty to a designated ward, be it the king or another noble. Sir Durendal, arguably the greatest Blade of his generation, dreams of serving his beloved monarch directly, protecting him from all threats. However, his aspirations are shattered when he is bonded, against his will, to an effete and seemingly inconsequential noble fop. This unexpected turn of fate sends Durendal on a mission to a faraway land, where he anticipates adventure and perhaps treasure. Yet, his journey quickly descends into a labyrinth of treason and foul intrigues, compelling him to act against the very king he vowed to serve. As death and madness threaten his path, Durendal must navigate a treacherous landscape, relying on the Blades' unique ways to protect their own, but knowing that few return unscathed from such a perilous journey.