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

Outside, he sagged against the brick wall. The child would need to be gotten rid of before Cassian had a chance to grow accustomed to the fatherly responsibilities. She had to be returned to Hashir, or to Sufarra.


Yashiv set off for the chicken coops, his mind working furiously. 13


Cassian held the practice blade in one hand, his fake knife in the other. He liked it best when having the option of two weapons. Perhaps seeing Yashiv fight in this manner during Cassian’s childhood had made the tactic appealing.


He struck, twisting at the waist to block Cem’s attack while lashing out with his own sword. He hit Aiken on the hand, the weapon falling from his numb fingers.


“You’re down, Aiken,” Rafiq bellowed. “Mortal wound at the wrist.”


Aiken cursed, but left the battle area. Sometimes they had “dead” bodies stay lying on the ground to simulate a real scenario. Not today. Cassian just wanted to work out his confusion with hard work—not focus his mind on other obstacles.


Chapter 32