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

Blocks and dodges were all Selati managed in the few minutes left during Vunei’s instruction. There was no room for him to attack. Vunei’s cold anger fueled the fight and Selati was awed by his teacher’s skill, and acutely aware of just how much he had left to learn.


Selati leaned on his spear and panted. His eyes darted back to the edge of the area and a hard stone dropped into his stomach. Aleledai was not there.


Indecision warred between his mind and heart, a battlefield harsh as he imagined a real one would be. His tail lashed through the dirt, stirred up little clouds, and coated the tip until his scales looked dull. He wanted to chase his lover down, but he didn’t want to give him the wrong idea. Vunei’s bark startled him to stillness.


Chapter 22