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

“Master!” It was Jenna. She pushed her way through the crowd in the room and practically knocked Cassian from his place beside the bed. He quickly stood and moved to the edge of the room with the stunned elders.


Jenna put her hands atop Cian, feeling his head, his neck, his chest. She rested her ear above his heart, listening. Cassian felt as if he could hear the faint heartbeat inside, slow and feeble compared to his own.


“He’s weak, Master,” she said, closing her eyes and listening again. When she opened them, unshed tears glistened at the corners. “I don’t think there’s much I will be able to do.”


“You have to try,” Cassian told her. “Please, do something?”


She nodded. “Bring me a cup of boiling water,” she commanded.


Cian’s grandson, Qamar—who stood by the door—took off at a run to do as she said. The closest water jugs were in Cassian’s home.


Chapter 33