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

“And you fought him and lived,” said Ylenia, looking Talfryn over in a way that made Akton instantly protective. “You shall be Kynithremyln.”


“He’ll be trained on your word,” said Eynri. Ylenia leaned back, waved a hand.


“Train them both,” she said. Eynri smiled, and Akton was surprised to see the affection there.


“The weasel shifter has no magical affinities,” he said, gently, like he was reminding Ylenia for the twentieth time but not annoyed with it.


“I don’t care. Kynithremyln used to be any willing shifter. Who changed that?”


“You did. To foster a strong Kynithremyln, you funneled any shifter unable to make the cut to either the Guard or your menagerie. Are you rescinding the decree? It has been around four-hundred years and has functioned as desired.”


Chapter 70