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

“Are you sure we’re in the right place?” Todd twisted and looked up at Nick.


Rolling his eyes, Nick sighed and dismounted Obi. “When was the last time I forgot how to get anywhere?”


“There’s a first time for everything.” Todd spread his arms wide and turned in a circle. “I see three half-dead trees, a few boulders, and what looks like might have been a floor at some point, but the building is long gone. It’s okay to admit you might be off by a half-mile or so. It’s been a long time since you’ve been here.” He patted down his pockets. “I think I have that map.”


“Please.” Leading Obi with him, Nick walked to the slab of stone Todd had just described as a buildingless floor. Crooking one finger at Todd, Nick grinned and braced his foot against a chipped corner of the slab. After shoving it away and down at the same time, he chuckled when Todd winced and made a face as stone ground against stone and metal.


Todd walked up to Nick, leaned over, and looked at the revealed opening.


Chapter 30