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

Once they left the houses, they were in the soldier’s camp. Here, it was almost impossible to go without detection. Each man or woman had their own tent in rows fanning out from the clan’s epicenter. Getting out of here needed Rafiq.


The captain of the army stood in front of their group. Uffe bent in the saddle and a quick exchange took place. Then Rafiq walked to Cassian’s side.


“Master. You’ve made it this far unseen?”


“Good. I will let them know that you’re gone once the sun rises. We don’t want any of the clan’s people to panic and think you abducted.”


“Thank you, Rafiq. We shouldn’t be more than a few days. I hope I have a clan to come back to in that time.”


Rafiq’s wide face smiled, but it seemed more a baring of teeth. “If the elders even think they can keep you from your place, my warriors will show them differently.”


Cassian sighed. “Just what we need, a civil war among our people.”


“Master, the people side with you.”


Chapter 38