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

At the front entrance, Yashiv took the lead. He pushed it open a fraction and peered into the darkness. He must have liked what he saw because he motioned for them and snuck out into the night. The only light came from the quarter moon hanging nearly at the zenith. It made the trek across the Flat difficult on the uneven ground. Cassian’s hand held tight to Wen’s, guiding her over the terrain. She stumbled once or twice on unseen pebbles, but kept her grip on Cassian.


Yashiv made a motion and Cassian stilled, pulling Wen in behind him. They stood silent for a few heartbeats before Yashiv set off again. Soldiers did patrol throughout the night, and more were likely around since the Orvokki Clan presented a current threat. Not that patrols would cause trouble. The main objective was not letting any of the elders spy them. With their brick homes on the outskirts of the Flat, that was a real possibility.


Chapter 37