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

“Yes, I do. Send it to Karen and Kieran if you won’t take it for what I owe the store.” Todd had already taken out his wallet and was setting money on the counter. “If that’s not enough…”


“Todd.” Millie laid one hand on Todd’s forearm. “It’s fine, really. I love my granddaughter, but liking her is difficult at times. And I have somewhere to visit when I travel. The schools there are very good, and the twins already have made new friends.”


Millie smiled, making her eyes crinkle and her entire face light up. She took each of their hands in one of hers and squeezed tight.


They spent a little more time collecting their mail and a few small supplies before leaving the store. The book was returned to Nick and they mounted their horses and headed to the road leading to the Porter farm. As soon as they were out of the town, Nick nudged Obi close enough to Arenite he could grab Todd’s arm.


Chapter 66