Selati, a big construct forced to work in the cobalt mines of Ilmare, is terrified of the overseers. Danger dogs his every breath, somehow the leader of his ragged work crew, and he finally has enough when the mine itself almost kills him. Humans or no humans, he refuses to let his crew die down in the dark. As his crew takes their stand in their bid for freedom, rescue comes. Freedom in the light and a whole new life awaits.<br><br>It’s a duty Aleledai takes great pride in, saving his fellow Caniean. Humans might have created them to mine and nothing more, but like all things, the Caniean are not the mindless beasts humans intended to work to death for resources. Selati’s rescue is probably his greatest accomplishment, because something about this one becomes everything Aleledai was missing, that made freedom perfect.<br><br>Humans don’t let go of their things easily, though and war is coming, no matter what the Caniean want. The price of freedom is always high. Aleledai only hopes the price isn’t everything he’s found worth living for.

A Soldier's Horizon

There was a small problem, however. “When should we ambush them? Now? In a few days?”


“Now,” Bunici answered at once. “Before anyone loses their nerve.”


“Nightfall is a mealtime away,” Asui said. “We should wait for them to bring down our rations and eat first. Give them time to settle down for the night.”


“Why don’t we collect what tools we can use for weapons while you conserve your strength?” Nausai dropped a hand on Selati’s shoulder and added some pressure until Selati folded down most of the way to the floor. He hadn’t realized he drooped so far until that moment.


Tahahi eased in next to him, shoulder to shoulder. His weight settled into Tahahi like his body had given up on supporting itself, without his knowledge. Sounds reached his ears in the dark. When had his eyes closed? Metal clinked together and pinked on stone. Soft notes drifted from his left as Tahahi hummed low in his throat.


Chapter 4