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

Across the clearing, the side of Akton’s mouth turned up. He charged.


Talfryn had taken exactly one afternoon training session with a swordsperson back in Teorg—most townspeople had, as Mayor Verne encouraged wide skills learning—but that was not enough to prepare him for Akton. He’d barely set his stance when Akton was in front of him, blade hacking through Talfryn’s length of flame, sending chunks of fire everywhere.


“Hah,” he said, and Talfryn jumped back as he brought his sword around. Akton slashed at him again, smoothly, but Talfryn was able to deflect it with a gust of flame, although just barely. He staggered back to the other side of the clearing where Akton had started, and caught his breath.


Around Akton, tiny fires sputtered in the new grass and went out. Talfryn set his jaw, annoyed at the smug look on Akton’s face, at the fact that if he wasn’t worried about hurting Akton, this would all be over by now.


Chapter 44