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

Keane dismounted and held the reins of Cassian’s horse while Uffe helped Wen from the saddle. Yashiv stared on in bored silence. He actually played the part well. If he could be that way with these unknown guards, why couldn’t he act the same back home?


With everyone on the ground, Uffe and Keane tied all the horses into a line, Feray at the end. Keane bowed to Yashiv then mounted the first horse and led them back the way they’d come.


“We go,” Yashiv instructed. “The woman and child first.”


Nenet took Wen’s hand and led her forward. Cassian felt a pang in his heart as the small fingers left his own. He should have gone first. Yashiv never would have allowed it.


Next was Yashiv. As he passed, Cassian and Uffe both bowed low. After he disappeared into the opening, Cassian followed, then Uffe. The sound of rock on rock echoed once they were all inside. Cassian’s eyes squinted at the sudden light—still dim, but nearly blinding after so long in the dark.


Chapter 40