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

Opati tensed in front of him. Selati tensed too, he couldn’t help it. Heki and Dawyadi, a new acquaintance, stiffened up. A ripple of anticipation rolled through the field, the tell tale earthquake before the mine collapsed.


Opati surged forward and the group went with him. Greenish, sickly light sizzled in the air as it shot past Selati’s left shoulder. Dust rose in a great plume, choked everything around him, as the Caniean stirred up the field.


A human darted through the haze. Selati stuck out his spear. Blood dibbled to the ground as the sharp point drove straight through the center of its torso. The weight of human twisted him around as in fell. Selati’s weapon was lodged deep and he had to wrench the spear to get it out of the body. The loud shouts everywhere didn’t quite hide the awful squelch of his spear leaving flesh. His stomach roiled at the sight of vivid red, the hinges of his jaw aching. Selati swallowed around the gross feeling.


Chapter 41