From the moment Taden rescues Nathaniel from the Sutherlin soldiers' torture, he finds himself caught in the gaze of the most beautiful eyes he's ever seen; amazing eyes that hold him thrilled and confused. The Sutherlins are planning to invade the beautiful Tahon Valley, but as Taden secrets Nathaniel from their reach, he finds himself drawn to the young man. Not only does he feel the urge to protect him, but he feels an ache he hasn't felt in many long years.<br><br>Nathaniel claims to be a traveler from a distant continent, saying he comes in peace. True or not, the youth has powers beyond anything Taden has seen -- control over men and animals and the very weather. Taden falls hard for the strange traveler, protecting him not only from the Sutherlins but from his own mistrustful people, who don't understand Nathaniel's powers and accuse him of being a witch ...

Nathaniel

Foot soldiers swarmed the general, swords leveled to protect him. Lowel crouched, but before he could move, Nathaniel put a hand on his shoulder, drawing his wild eyes.


“Don’t.” Nathaniel touched the soldier’s freckled cheek. “Not for me. Run!”


Galvanized into action, Lowel sprinted for his horse. His lithe body swung into the saddle, and he raced the animal back the way they’d come before anyone could stop him. Amidst a bellow of voices, Sutherlin soldiers grabbed for Nathaniel, dragging him towards their camp in the trees


“Nathaniel!” Taden called after him, filled with terror. “Nattie, they’ll burn you!”


Nathaniel stopped in his tracks, and the soldiers around him became frozen in place. There was shock on the general’s face. Taden’s heart thumped as Nathaniel came to him, gently moving Beka’s sword aside.


“They won’t hurt me,” Nathaniel told him.


Chapter 23