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

“Yskorr?” asked Talfryn. “As in the city at the border with the Dragon Realm?”


“Yes. The book you have isn’t incredibly detailed in regards to that area, but there are a few basic maps.”


Akton flipped through the book until he found the border with the Dragon Realm. One page over there was a simple map of Yskorr—a decent sized city on the edge of a lake there. Centuries ago it had been one of the main fronts to battle the dragons, and the various walls as well as the fortress still stood. He knew nothing more about the place himself, but saw Talfryn was right—the margins were filled with facts about the city and its people and history.


“That I can’t speak to,” said Arvi. “But refugees keep trickling in, wanting maps. Away.” They swept their hands through the air. “Everyone wants to get away. Ylenia is a popular choice.”


“Well, if you’d seen what he does, you would too,” said Akton. “Hasn’t shown up here yet?”


Chapter 47