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

He made his way out onto the training field, the natural assembly area for the camp. He stopped in the center and waited. The Caniean under his charge didn’t keep him waiting long.


They came in small numbers from all over the camp. A vast collection of hide colors flashed in the sunlight. Hundreds, he knew. They filled up the space, a great wave of life, hungry for the chance to be. Green and black glittered off to his left. Selati was in the front line of the crowd, tall and beautiful.


Aleledai waited a full minute, seconds counted in his mind instead of relying on his thunderous heart, after the last Caniean shuffled his way into the back of the crowd. Nerves surged and his tail tip thumped in the dirt. He rested his eyes on Selati and began.


“You are called for battle,” Aleledai cried out over the silent crowd. “All willing, come forward!”


Chapter 35