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

“Don’t mind me ducking off now and again, either. The apothecary needs almost constant stocking, so I’m out spotting and hunting for this and that nearly every day back in Teorg. I can spot an old carrot from a mile off—and if you cook it long enough, it’s edible. Also important is that I won’t feed us anything poisonous. We can probably pass by most towns without stopping for supplies. Are you any good at setting traps? A little fresh meat would be easier to work with than the jerky, and that’ll be out soon…”


Talfryn moved from being impressed that Akton wouldn’t say anything to irritated back to impressed again after enough time. Akton didn’t even tell him to shut up. Talfryn didn’t, not until they pressed onward into the night to reach the next public shelter. Akton left to make his loop around the area and Talfryn took the opportunity to stretch his magic a little.


Chapter 27