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

“Ready for a nice long ride, big guy?” Arenite’s response was to rub his face against Todd’s arm.


By the time Nick and Obi were back to the train, their luggage and gear for the horses had been unloaded. They spent a few minutes packing their supplies in saddlebags and preparing the horses for travel.


Nick slipped Obi’s bridle on and turned to Todd.


“We could pack everything on Arenite and both ride Obi.”


“We could,” Todd said and settled his set of bags and bedroll behind the saddle seat, cinching everything tightly. “But we’re not going to. I intend to make sure those people realize you’re not one of their slave children but a sentry there to do a job. That means you on your horse and me on mine.”


Chapter 24