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

“I must decline,” Master said, regretfully. “I appreciate your offer and am honored that you would consider us trustworthy on your lands. But I cannot give you the child.”


This time, mutters broke out around the gathered people. They likely thought Master crazy. No one would turn down such an offer. It would only benefit the clan; there was no downside.


Except there was, to Cassian. He swore to protect the child, and Yashiv knew Master kept his word. He wouldn’t turn the child over for anything, especially not on the lies crafted by the man in front of them. It was easy to see from the shape of their eyes and lips that he was not Wen’s father, nor Vada her mother. They wanted the child for other reasons. And likely nothing good.


Tiago’s mouth clenched and his eyes narrowed. “You turn down such an agreement? I offered you much more than the value of the child. Your words have snubbed me and my clan. Your words may bring us to war.”


Chapter 22