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

“Now,” she said, “your orders. Eynri is here organizing and Shanna is currently leading my Kynithremlyn and Guard forces toward Keldoure, where the bastard is rumored to be. They’ve been attacked by his forces several times already and are no longer giving me the details. Oh, they say they are, but I can tell they’re holding on to things and then instructing my advisors otherwise behind my back.”


“I’m not sure that’s an entirely rational position,” said Talfryn, as gently as possible. He expected her to react with rage, but she ignored him.


“You are to go there, assess the situation, and deal with it for me. This isn’t insanity—they will be occupied with what they perceive the situation to be. You will add an unexpected element.”


“I’m not comfortable with this,” said Akton, a lot for him to admit to, Talfryn knew. He knew also that Akton wanted to go home, not get himself killed halfway across Emylnor.


Chapter 72