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 one last question. One which wouldn’t wait. “When do we begin?”


“Three days, as of sunrise tomorrow.” Aleledai shifted one more time in Selati’s arms, until his nose was stabbing him between the lowest pair of ribs.


Selati stayed awake most of the night, basking in his All’s scent and warmth and weight. The next three days loomed heavy on his heart. Battle just past that. Sleep, when it pulled him under, was fitful.


Srahuni threw a disgusted look at the map spread over the table. “We are dead center of this mess. Why us?”


Chapter 34