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

“Exactly. I could not imagine going into battle without knowing your touch one last time. Without giving you a good reminder of why we must return to each other after.” Selati needed one more good memory, if the unthinkable happened.


A coy, smitten look flashed across Aleledai’s face. “I don’t require being reminded. However, if you must, I’m happy to allow you.”


Selati laughed in delight and herded his lover backwards, not letting Aleledai leave his arms for even a moment. Aleledai went with easy grace, happy to have Selati move him back until his scales brushed up against their bednest.


Chapter 38