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

“What have you done, Nattie?” he whispered in the small ear as he held Nathaniel against his heart. He carried the unconscious man to his horse, waking Nathaniel sufficiently to mount. Climbing up behind him, Taden urged the horse from that horrible place, cradling Nathaniel on his arm. He allowed the roan its own pace on the eastern trail, holding the reins with a loose hand. They came to the sea as evening descended and shadows filled the forest behind them. The waves seemed unnaturally loud in Taden’s ears after the silence under the trees.


Chapter 24