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

The leader shook his head. “The king will want to question them. In case they have any useful information.”


“You won’t get anything out of us,” Yashiv said.


The leader took a step closer and glared up into Yashiv’s face. “Why is that, worm?”


As if following a prearranged plan, Wirat and Gilon appeared around the corner. “Because of us.” The two warriors lunged forward as one, lashing out with their swords. The palace guards had been using their spears for extra purchase and the few seconds needed to right their weapons was their downfall. Wirat took two in quick succession, slicing one along the stomach and burying his blade into the chest of the second. Gilon cut through the third’s arm and then impaled him through the neck as he fell forward in pain. Quick and efficient.


“Thank you,” Yashiv said has he bent down to check in Kaapo. The other man had a huge knot forming on the top of his head, but he was breathing normal. “Looks like this is the right place.”


Chapter 49