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 think we’ll continue our defensive instruction. Would either of you be interested in teaching specialized skills to any of our groups?”


Akton hesitated, but Talfryn handled it with confidence. He seemed to have fallen back into his old place already.


“We’ll think about it. We haven’t decided on what we’re doing next.”


“I’m not going to live forever,” said Glenna. “Teorg will always need an apothecary.”


“We have to see Akton’s family in the mountains. They don’t know he’s still alive either.”


“The mountains,” said Glenna, frowning like she was considering. “I’m not sure about that as a good place to settle down…”


Akton bristled, but he caught sight of Talfryn rolling his eyes and relaxed a little. They rested that day, Glenna helping Talfryn prepare various potions and spells to either sell or give away in the mountains, and slept again on a real bed. By morning they were ready to set out again.


Chapter 108