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

One of the healers moved away from the cot. The other two separated and raided the supplies on the tables. Neither of them spoke to Aleledai at all and he wanted to be angry, indignant with them, but didn’t have the strength for it. They had to fix Selati first. Aleledai could wait for the details.


Sharpness dug in his skin, on his forearm. Aleledai looked at the Caniean hovering at his side, something in the stranger’s hand shining in the dim light filtered through the tent fabric around them. A needle. Aleledai followed the fine thread down, ivory and bright where it pierced his skin. Blood trickled out of a gash in his arm. When did that happen?


Chapter 47