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

“Zerai was giving me an update on our medical supplies.” Aleledai held on to his smile, though he didn’t like the troubled expression on Selati’s face. It was true, what he told Selati, but Aleledai figured since he was here, he might as well unburden his heart to his friend.


Selati’s tail tip tapped at the dust in front of the billowing healer’s tent and his fingers twisted together. Aleledai decided to wait him out. Some, and Selati seemed to be one of those, needed the space silence afforded to find the words they wanted to say.


“I’ve tried talking to the others,” Selati began, words slow like he was feeling each one out before they crossed his lips, “and they have all told me to speak to you. Even my crew,” Selati added that last part with a wry twist to his generous mouth.


Chapter 16