It seemed so simple, cross a train yard, hop a train and Todd and Nick would be free, on their way home to Elk's Ridge in Yellowknife. Nothing is ever simple or easy for the Ruger men, however. Captured by Vice-Chancellor Raleigh, Todd is imprisoned, leaving Nick alone and seeking a way to free his mate. Help comes from an unlikely and unexpected ally. Todd's freedom places the Rugers yet again into the Chancellor's debt. He sends them on a fact finding mission to the small village of Eldrid, the same village where Nick was raised a slave.<br><br>There they discover how past events led to their present society, the origins of sentries and slaves and what made some of them so special. They also uncover a conspiracy spear-headed by Vice-Chancellor Raleigh. An attempt at stopping him isn't as successful as they'd hoped when old enemies are confronted. The realities of war, and why some people don't survive, are hard lessons for both Todd and Nick to learn.<br><br>Through firefights, explosions and a vicious attack from a seemingly unbeatable supernatural being, one thing is reinforced over and over-the most important thing each one has is each other. Will they survive or join an ever-growing list of casualties?

Collared Souls

“Thank you,” Clarke said the second Todd’s rear hit the seat cushion. “Victor Raleigh is up to something and it’s in no way good.”


“Really? Ya think?” Todd couldn’t help the sarcasm or the bit of joy he felt when Nick stifled another chuckle with a fake cough.


Clarke shoved two thick envelopes across his desk to Todd. After carefully opening the top one, Todd looked inside.


“What do you know about recorders?” Nick blurted out.


“Recor—?” Clarke sat back in his chair and watched Nick intently. Todd stopped pulling the paperwork out of the envelope and glanced between Nick and Clarke, then focused an equally intent gaze on Clarke.


“I know they’re not simply a legend,” Clarke responded. “But reality. Why do you ask?”


Nick looked down at his hands, picking at one finger with the thumbnail of his other hand. “When I was with Raleigh, there was another slave with me, a boy who was a psychic.”


Chapter 19