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

“Right,” said Akton, shifting the pack on his left shoulder. “That man really doesn’t put me at ease after six people tried to hunt me down.”


“What would you have wanted him to do?” asked Talfryn, then couldn’t hold back a needling comment. He was still wounded Akton didn’t trust him. “Or do you prefer to say nothing, let him think you’re satisfied with how he’s handling it, then inform him you didn’t like what he did later?”


Akton turned on him, glaring. He opened his mouth but before he could say anything Rick returned, four other Guard members with him. They all looked serious. Rick was the only person without a drawn sword.


“Don’t,” said Talfryn, putting a hand out to Akton to stop him from going for his own sword. He didn’t like the looks of this. “We’re not recruiters, just in case you were confused.”


“We’re not confused on that,” said Rick and indicated with his head. The Guard moved past him and surrounded them, two for Akton, two for Talfryn. “We’re arresting you.”


Chapter 20