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

“I wonder how many Keldoure residents they spared,” said Talfryn. Akton doubted it was many. He noticed the people down at the northeast gate changing shifts, the woman outside going back in and a man replacing her. He wore a coat made of shifter furs, sewn together, and Akton’s stomach dropped.


So that was what they were for. Warmth in this weather.


“I don’t understand why he’d make his stand here,” said Talfryn. “If he wanted to take over—and we’re assuming he does—why not bring the fight to Ylenia?”


“He hopes to fight her forces on his own ground. He must have some advantage here—or he thinks he can use Keldoure to his advantage. If he decimates the Kynithremyln, Queen Ylenia will be far less protected. He’s probably planning on going after the Queen’s City when he’s finished here.”


“And I would have thought it was to keep all those beautiful libraries and schools intact,” said Talfryn. “I can’t imagine he’d want to move into a ruined palace.”


Chapter 88