Generations ago, shifters -- many with magic powers -- were accepted throughout Emylnor. But a war with the nearby dragon nation bred concern, and though Emylnor's forces beat back the invasion, the shifters retreated into hiding.<br><br>Akton is a weasel shifter who seems to have no magical talents. When he is hunted, Talfryn joins the fight, finally able to flex his salamander flame powers. But while they make a good team, the thrill quickly wears off when they uncover recruitment orders. A shifter named Basil is building an army.<br><br>Someone has to warn Queen Ylenia before Basil can launch Emylnor into another war. When Akton and Talfryn volunteer to deliver the information to her, they have no intention of getting deeply involved with the fight -- or each other. But to stop Basil, they need to learn to trust each other completely, and fast. Or all of Emylnor will burn ...

Flame and Snow

“The hell are you?” he asked the last pack, a strange-looking one, absent of bed roll or canteen. Part of him hoped it was full of potions—he could probably sell that many at a good price—but when he opened it and saw a lumpy cloth filling it, squashed roll of parchment next to it, he didn’t have a good feeling.


He read the parchment first, eyes darting over the script faster with each word. His full belly felt sick, and pain stabbed through his side.


Assigned area from Sluthrin Bridge to West Oryag Path to towns Brishton and Threllig,the parchment read. Recruit all shifters and as many able-bodied adults as possible by whatever creative means. Do not allow shifters to decline. If completely unwilling, harvest furs. Return by harvest moon.


Chapter 6