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 captain swore and retreated several steps. He was going to run for help. Yashiv acted without thought. He took the knife Cassian had given him and threw it at the man as he turned to flee. Instead of the blade sinking into the captain’s flesh, the hilt smacked him with an audible crack. It didn’t down him, but at least it slowed him enough for Yashiv to cover the short distance and end him. His sword’s blade sank into the man’s heart without resistance.


The other palace guards were also dead. They’d been no match for men trained in the desert.


“We need to hurry,” Cassian said. “Can you get out the way you got in?”


“Yes,” Yashiv answered. This courtyard looked to be the same one they’d entered from. He spotted the grate off to the north side. “But what about you?”


“I left Wen and Nenet inside. I can get out easily this way, you can’t. Go and we’ll meet back at the storehouse.”


It was the smartest plan given the circumstances, but Yashiv didn’t want to leave Master’s side.


Chapter 55