Querteshan guardsman Jamal Fayed is on a routine patrol through the desert area known as the Burning when they discover an injured and unconscious man who looks to be from a nearby country, Perathea. Their two countries have a long history of animosity.<br><br>When Nev ran from his master, he was fleeing for his life and any outcome seemed better than the death he was promised. But Nev has secrets, complicated secrets that involve both magic and his physical form. Can he build a relationship with Jamal amidst politics and military dealings?

Born Magic

“What the hell happened? Where’s Nev? The staff guy downstairs is dead. The rooms up here are a wreck.”


“Dunno. Four guys, wearing dark clothes, they had magic.” Jamal closed his eyes again, trying to breathe evenly against the pain, trying to think more clearly.


“This whole place stinks of dark magic.”


Jamal opened his eyes and looked at the unfamiliar speaker. He didn’t recognize the small older man who wasn’t dressed like any of the other soldiers or military staff that had flooded into the room. Putting together the comment and demeanor of the man, Jamal guessed he was a mage. “Does that mean they killed Nev?”


“I don’t think so, only the aide downstairs. Although I think they harnessed the power of that man’s death to help cloak their escape.” The mage tromped around the room like he was looking for something. “Your name is?” He waved his cane in Jamal’s direction.


“Jamal Fayed. I’m a guardsman stationed at Garrison Nine.”


Chapter 26