"Each bottle cost them a sapphire to be shipped in from the Milania Kingdom, and a ruby to bribe the Hydra Heart stationed at the port."
- The Return of Light

In the YA Fantasy series, The Primloc Chronicles, Hydra Hearts are the law-enforcement of Diamond Rough, the capital of Vahalia, and are loyal to the High House. They're expertly trained in combat and are expected to live by a strict code of rules, known as the Oath of Light.

The Roles Of A Hydra Heart
In times of war, they hold the position of officers, along with a select few holding the position of captain depending on their rank within the Hydra Hearts. During times of peace, the main role of a Hydra Heart is to patrol the streets for criminal activity, escort foreign dignitaries, and collect taxes from the people.

Though they are mainly stationed within the capital, Hydra Hearts may also hold postings in ports to confiscate illegally-traded goods and review trade permits. Because of this, Hydra Hearts were essential to the outlawing of slavery during the Age of Thought due to their ability to stop new slaves from being brought in and arrest slave traders.

Who Can Be A Hydra Heart?
While many Hydra Hearts are the younger sons of the gentry, with some even being the younger sons of the nobility, commoners may also join the organization at the discretion of the High House. Unlike other organizations in Vahalia, a Hydra Heart of noble or gentry blood may never be given special treatment over that of a commoner. (Light Vow #7: A Hydra Heart Has One Blood, And Tis The Blood Of The Hydra)

Uniform Of A Hydra Heart
A Hydra Heart uniform consists of a black leather chest plate that is engraved with the symbol of the High House - a Hydra with nine coiled heads. Black tunics and trousers are worn as part of the uniform, along with iron neck-plates that have been burnt until they too are black. Dark purple silk capes hang from the left shoulder and attach to the right hip. Black helmets with slightly pointed tips are worn.

Each of the nine captains wears a broach of a single hydra head.

Corruption Within The Hydra Hearts
As with most organizations, Hydra Hearts are not without their fair share of corruption. Bribery is common amongst them. Most often, bribery is done by merchants who wish to import illegal goods or royal houses that wish to move their goods throughout the kingdoms without paying the trade fines.

"Mom will kill me if I get caught by some Hydra Heart patrolling the waters.

She'll save me just to kill me herself..."
-The Forge of Kingdoms

The Return of Light