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

He looked to her and she motioned her head to the side. He followed her direction and saw two riders approaching on horseback, crimson cloths held up in both their hands—a sign of peace. How had they gotten so far into the camp unhindered? Did others sneak in, too? Were they surrounding Master right now?


A blind terror filled Yashiv. He lumbered to his feet and he nearly ran toward the library with all haste. But then rationality sank in and he realized he was probably the highest-ranking member in the vicinity. Also, the people might panic if they saw him running away. He had to deal with this.


“Davina, go to Master; he’s with the scholars. Keep him out of sight until it’s clear.”


“Yes, Yashiv.” She glanced down at the child. “Come along, Lady.”


Davina hesitated for just a heartbeat before racing south toward the library.


Chapter 20