The forest was sparse, but the young man found a dry bush to hide behind. “I don’t give a damn what the king would prefer. “You’d rather have your throat cut by a rebel back there?” the short guard said. “We don’t have time to chase after one runaway slave.” The tall guard spoke loud enough to be heard above the noise of battle. Muscles screaming, he staggered toward the forest line. He pushed himself up to his feet, his legs as weak as a newborn colt’s. The tall guard brought his blade down hard, but the young man managed to roll out of its way just in time.

“You won’t need clothes when you’re dead. “Doesn’t matter,” the tall guard snapped. “Forget your clothes somewhere, boy?” the taller guard said. “I’m no slave.” His voice cracked, and his throat felt as dry and brittle as the ground beneath him.

“What do we have here?” the short one said. Two men-one short, one tall, both wearing red guard uniforms-approached him, their swords drawn. It was dry and sparse and dying, but it offered more protection than his exposed position by the battleground. To his left, about fifty paces away, was a forest. He was at the edge of a camp that was currently under siege. He failed, his body screaming from the effort.Īs his vision cleared he took a better look around. He pressed his hands against the dry earth, flames licking at his bare skin, and tried forcing himself to his feet. It was the taste of blood that had awoken him. He tasted the copper tang of the blood that had sunk into the ground. He could smell the acrid scents of both fear and hate from those who fought for their lives.

The sharp cries of the dying sliced through the cool early morning breeze. Swords clashed nearby in a violent battle in the shadow of the mountains. The young man woke up surrounded by fire and chaos. 'synopsis' may belong to another edition of this title. They ally, in the flesh, with King Gaius, who vows to use Lucia’s powers to unveil the Kindred.Īnd which side will Prince Magnus choose, now that everyone he’s been betrayed by everyone he’s ever loved? THE WATCHERS follow Melenia out of the Sanctuary. Ashur and Amara, the royal siblings from the vast kingdom across the Silver Sea, prove to be just as ruthless as they are charming as they manipulate their way to victory. Princess Cleo slays with sweetness-and a secret that might control Lucia’s magic-as she and vengeful Jonas lead the hunt for the all-powerful Kindred. The stakes have never been higher for Magnus and Cleo, who are brought together by a life or death decision that will lock their fates and change the course of the kingdom forever. Love will tear them apart.Īlliances form across Mytica and beyond as royals and rebels alike race to hunt down the Kindred-the four elemental crystals that give their owners god-like power.

Gathering darkness by morgan rhodes