Nine years ago, Cassian witnessed the assassination of his father, which left him to lead the desert clan. Growing up, he had relied on help from those around him; now an adult, Cassian wants to prove his own worth. His first task -- securing the love of his bodyguard, Yashiv. Though the two have been inseparable since Cassian’s childhood, he fears Yashiv won’t let down his walls of propriety. Then Cassian finds a child, the only survivor of the king’s caravan procession. Wen claims to be the bride for Prince Manoel, the ruler of the nearby city, but underlying currents of her story raise Cassian’s suspicions. Cassian and Yashiv must find where Wen belongs, before rival clans, the city’s guards, or Cassian’s own people decide the child’s fate. Can Cassian and Yashiv find out where Wen belongs before her fate is decided by rival clans or Cassian’s own people? And can Cassian show Yashiv he’s now a man, as well as Master of his clan?

Shifting Sand

Cassian stood to his feet. “I think I want to go pray to the statues.”


“Yes. It’s been a long time since I’ve done that. I can offer up a sacrifice for Wen’s mother. Maybe Gaetan will ease the child’s sorrow.”


Cassian left his study. Maarav and Omri, standing guard outside the door, snapped to attention. “Master,” they said in unison.


“I’m going to pray,” he told them. “Can you have the fire lit in my bedroom? I think I’ll just go to sleep afterward.”


Yashiv added, “And double check the guards on Wen’s room. I want her accounted for at all times.”


“Yes, Yashiv,” Omri said. Then he rushed down the hallway to the bedroom the little girl was using. Maarav went the opposite direction, to Cassian’s room.


“I’ll accompany you outside, Master. I should pray as well.”


Cassian nodded, allowing his guard to fall in beside him.


Chapter 14