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

Aleledai turned his head, so Selati only saw about half his face, and waited.


“You watched me train today?” Selati asked. Foolish way to start a conversation, maybe, but it was the one opening he had and he knew it. There had to be better ways to begin than this. Next time, he would seek out Tahahi for advice first.


“I was surprised to find out you wanted to learn to fight like a warrior.” Aleledai shrugged his shoulders, loops shifting for some reason Selati couldn’t fathom. “You are good.”


“Thank you,” Selati said, warmed inside by his lover’s observation. Something about the way Aleledai said it didn’t mean it was a compliment, exactly. More like an acknowledgement of potential. That didn’t stop the small grin from showing. And Aleledai talking to him at all was a good thing. Selati decided he could press his luck. “I was hoping to talk with you?”


Aleledai faced the forest once more. “About?”


Chapter 23