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

Akton trusted him to do the same, he decided, if he let him fall in behind him.


Tinah directed them silently and Akton didn’t say anything as she led them to their packs, then the storage room where the shifter furs and directive were being stored. Talfryn noticed Akton kept a hand on the hilt of his sword, head tilted like he was listening hard. Talfryn’s ears weren’t any better than average, but this further confirmed for him that Akton was some sort of small animal shifter. He leaned closer.


“Hear anything?” he mouthed. Akton shook his head, but he kept listening intently as Tinah led them out a back door and into the alley behind the Guard office. She led them down alleys and streets quickly, nearly at a run, Talfryn mildly surprised Akton kept up with them. Maybe he didn’t care to leave the furs or parchment.


Chapter 23