Shift of Shadow and Soul (SoulShifter Book 1) by Hilary Thompson

Author:Hilary Thompson [Thompson, Hilary]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Star Shadow Books
Published: 2017-05-22T04:00:00+00:00

Ashemon hadn’t slept since he had sent Syashin on the Alimente. The entire night had been a blur of prayers to the Mirror Magi, and the lonely day had passed with more of the same. His heart ached with the heaviness of what he’d been forced to do. But as the second night approached, with the creeping dark came Tagsha.

“Ashemon, you know I’m with you in everything,” the burly guard said, barging into Ashemon’s tent. He set a tray of food and strong tea on the table and waited, shuffling his feet.

Ashemon barely looked at his friend, but he did rise from the floor where his personal altar was still open. He sat heavily on the bench, reaching for a mug.

“It had to be done, Tagsha. The people aren’t ready to fight. Syashin’s magic isn’t enough for all of us.” He knew most wouldn’t question his actions, but Tagsha was different.

“But banishing your own?” Tagsha continued, his fist hitting the table harder than necessary.

“Syashin will survive.”

“But will he ever trust you again?”

Ashemon glared at the guard. “That is not my first concern in this matter.” He began to eat, stacking the meat and rich cheese between thick slices of bread. He had not eaten since watching his son’s Last Meal, but he knew his strength would wane if he did not break his fast.

“Perhaps you should send Reshra to the city to wait for them. That will be the hardest part of the journey.”

The General looked flatly at his oldest friend. “Each part of their journey will be hard. Reshra is not ready to understand the magic. He resists.”

“He resists because you never told him of its existence! You never told any of us!” Tagsha exclaimed, the hurt evident in his voice. He turned his head away when Ashemon tried to look squarely at him.

“Weshen is not yet ready,” Ashemon repeated. “I made Syashin on purpose - I prayed he would have magic. But he is one son among hundreds of Weshen sons. It is not enough for a revolution of our fates. The girl’s family has strong magic, though. Their children, perhaps…” His voice faltered as he realized he’d never told this plan to Tagsha either.

“My General, you do not know your son at all if you think this banishment will force him to claim the girl. He will discover your plan and distance himself from her out of spite.”

“I appreciate your ability to speak freely with me,” Ashemon said, the growl in his voice speaking the opposite. “But again, you do not know everything. I have told Syashin that if he does not provide an heir this summer, his First Son rights will pass to Reshra.” He pinned Tagsha in his gaze finally.

Tagsha glared. “That was not wise-”

Ashemon held up a hand. “So yes, I believe this banishment is the perfect solution. Syashin has come to care for the girl. He sacrificed his position for her. But he must learn to put his people before himself, and providing an heir is a good first step.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.