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

When he didn’t answer, Yashiv continued. “We need to go in by stealth, Master. A few of us could sneak into the palace easier than five hundred warriors trying to beat their way in.”


“It would be quicker, too,” Nenet added. “We could go now, and not have to wait for the others to arrive. They’d be too late.”


“Then let’s go,” Cassian said, trusting them when he couldn’t work out the plan himself.


“Please get dressed first,” Nenet told them. “And Master, this might work for you.” She held to a dress to him.


“We can try the service entrance,” she explained. “The palace always needs more cooks and workers. The two of us should go alone.”


“No, Yashiv,” Nenet pressed. “Two women would be able to get in much easier than a bulky-muscled man.”


Yashiv gritted his teeth, but nodded. “Then I’ll take Wirat, Kaapo, and Gilon and we’ll sneak in another way.”


Chapter 45