Burning Light

By Emily Ann Ward

This is the omnibus edition of the Protectors prequel novellas. Includes:

Shifting Light (~22,000 words)
Though non-magic themselves, Sashe and her sister have grown up with shape changers, and now a deadly foe is out to banish the shape changing magic from the country. Sashe is forced to consider her survival when a friend of hers is killed because her father refused to help the Protectors. She's slowly falling for the new boy, but she must choose whether she and her sister can stay with the shape changers with their dangerous future. Should they decide to stay, how will they protect themselves against such powerful enemies?

Fire and Light (~29,000 words)
Sierra has always considered Evan like a brother, but suddenly she sees him as more. When he confesses his feelings for her, she shies away. Sierra thinks she’s brave enough to stay with the shape changers, but is she brave enough to risk her friendship with Evan?

The End of Light (~36,000 words)
An elder of the shape changers comes to Shyra with life-changing news. In her vision, Sashe and Sierra broke the curse the Protectors set on their family — by becoming pregnant. Yet many women have died from the curse. Sierra, Sashe, and their husbands must decide whether to trust the elders and risk their lives for a chance at breaking the curse.

Altogether, about 85,000 words plus the first chapter of Promising Light, the next novel in the Protectors series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emily Ann Ward
• Release date: Jun 22, 2012

Emily Ann Ward

Hey, I'm Emily! I've been writing since I was young. I wrote mostly fiction, but I've posted some nonfiction here, as well. I love it, it's so fun. I grew up in Colorado, in Littleton, Loveland, and Fort Collins. I've moved around a lot, though, I can't stay too long in one place. I've traveled to South Africa, Zambia, the Marshall Islands, France, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy. My husband and I do a lot of traveling, and we plan to revisit Europe in the future. We live in Salem, Oregon right now with our two cats. I read, write, cook, try to make money from home. My chicken enchiladas are awesome. Hope you enjoy the writing!

Book preview

BURNING LIGHT

The Protectors Prequels (Omnibus Edition)

By Emily Ann Ward

Ebook Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to an ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyright Emily Ann Ward, 2012

The Protectors Series:

Book One: Promising Light

Book Two: TBA

The Protectors Prequels

Shifting Light

Fire and Light

The End of Light

Burning Light (Omnibus Edition)

Also by Emily Ann Ward:

Passages (Seven Short Stories)

Beyond Home (Three Short Stories)

Finding Fiona

Shifting Light (The Protectors Prequels, #1)

When a new boy moves to town, Sashe realizes how suddenly her life is about to change. Though non-magic themselves, she and her sister have grown up with shape changers, and now a deadly foe is out to banish the shape changing magic from the country. The Protectors have the ear of the king and they've cast a curse on the shape changers designed to slowly kill them off.

Sashe is forced to consider her survival when a friend of hers is killed because her father refused to help the Protectors. She's slowly falling for the new boy, but she must choose whether she and her sister can stay with the shape changers with their dangerous future. Should they decide to stay, how will they protect themselves against such powerful enemies?

Fire and Light (The Protectors Prequels, #2)

Sierra has always considered Evan like a brother, but suddenly she sees him as more. When he confesses his feelings for her, she shies away. In the midst of her confusing feelings for Evan, the Protectors try to convince Sierra she’d be better off with them. Sierra thinks she’s brave enough to stay with the shape changers, but is she brave enough to risk her friendship with Evan?

The End of Light (The Protectors Prequels, #3)

Two and a half years after the events of Fire and Light, an elder of the shape changers comes to Shyra with life-changing news. She's had a vision, and in it, Sashe and Sierra break the curse the Protectors set on their family — by becoming pregnant. Yet a pregnancy hasn’t been carried to full-term for eight years, and many women have died from the curse.

Sierra, Sashe, and their husbands must decide whether to trust the elders and risk their lives for a chance at breaking the curse. And when a spy reveals the vision to the Protectors, the consequences could be catastrophic.

First Chapter of Promising Light

SHIFTING LIGHT

The Protectors Prequels, #1

Chapter One: The Boy From Jolen

Chapter Two: Four Lives for Three

Chapter Three: The Curse

Chapter Four: Combat Training

Chapter Five: Dreams

CHAPTER ONE: THE BOY FROM JOLEN

The new shape changer in town was cute. No, Sashe thought, cute isn’t the right word. Dashing.

He stood a few inches above six feet and wielded the hoe easily as he dug into the dirt. His skin shimmered with sweat, and he wiped jet black hair off of his forehead. A streak of dirt came off his sleeve, smearing his olive-colored skin. The sunny weather in the seaside country of Jolen would explain his dark skin. Maybe his family had been fishermen or sailors. The rumor was his parents had been killed by the Protectors, but Sashe hoped it was just the overactive imagination of her cousin Evan.

Sashe and her sister Sierra were on their way home after a morning in downtown Rahuda and lunch at a friend’s house, but Sashe decided they had time to meet the boy who had moved in with Evan.

Let’s go meet him. She tugged on Sierra’s arm, pulling her off the path toward their aunt and uncle’s cherry orchard where the newcomer was working. Rows of cherry trees lined the expansive orchard in front of them, and the newcomer stood between the nearest row and the path as he dug a line of shallow holes. Voices echoed in the air from other workers in the orchard, and Sashe breathed in the rich scent of earth.

Sierra grinned at her. Do you think he’s wearing that shirt because he knows it shows his muscles?

Sashe tilted her head, admiring the curve of his biceps. It’s definitely possible.

He glanced up then, perhaps hearing their voices as they drew closer. His gaze lingered on Sashe.

Sierra squeezed her elbow, then said under her breath, I dare say he’s staring at you.

Sashe half-smiled, even as her face grew warm. The staring was something she wasn’t sure she’d ever grow used to. Her body had developed without her consent a few years ago, and everyone had noticed. Especially men.

Sashe and Sierra left the path and walked up to the newcomer. Sashe couldn’t quite remember his name, something that started with an S. She raised her hand in a wave and opened her mouth to say something witty, something that would make him smile. All that came out was, Hi.

A corner of his mouth raised in a half-smile. Hi.

Luckily, her sister stepped in before she could say anything else. I’m Sierra. This is my sister, Sashe. We’re Evan’s cousins. Sort of.

He leaned on his hoe. Sort of?

We’re not really related to Evan, Sierra said. We’ve lived with the governor for. . .ten years now.

He paused, his face screwing up in thought. And the governor, he’s Evan’s uncle?

Sierra nodded. What’s your name?

Seth.

Seth, Sashe repeated. She liked the way it rolled off her tongue. He met her eyes, and she felt her face flush. Oh, goodness, what was wrong with her? A cute boy looked at her, and she fell apart. That was not like her.

He smiled. How old are you? His gaze moved from her face down to her shoulders, down to the ground, probably taking in her body on the way. His eyes didn’t linger anywhere, unlike the old men in town who would stare at her chest.

Sierra cleared her throat. I’m fourteen.

He nodded towards Sashe, silently asking her.

Seventeen.

He chuckled. You don’t look seventeen.

She raised her eyebrows. How old do I look?

He shifted his weight, tossing the hoe from one hand to another. Older. How old do I look?

Sashe glanced at Sierra, who was grinning again. Her younger sister shrugged as she twirled dark hair around her finger. Her eyes twinkled like they did when she felt particularly mischievous. What do you think, Sashe?

Sashe took him in: his strong face, dark eyebrows, broad shoulders, his eyes studying her. Seventeen or eighteen.

He laughed, and Sashe swore her heart skipped a beat. His entire face seemed to change, and he looked happy and younger. Nice. I’m sixteen.

Sashe’s mouth dropped open. No, you’re not.

Yes, I am! He glanced over his shoulder towards the cherry orchard Evan’s parents owned. A few workers went in and out of the rows of cherry trees. You can ask Evan when you see him.

She crossed her arms. Interesting, she’d never really noticed a younger boy before. I will. So, are you from Jolen?

Seth nodded, staring down at the ground. Have you ever been there?

Sashe shook her head. No, but I’d love to see the ocean.

I miss it already, Seth said as he ran a hand through his hair.

There was a moment of silence. Sashe raised her eyebrows at Sierra, who nudged her in the side, the mischievous look still in her eyes.

Why do you live with the governor? Seth asked. Where are your parents?

They died, Sashe said.

Seth’s brow furrowed, and he straightened. Were they Avialies?

Sierra shook her head. No, they weren’t magical folk at all. But they knew the governor because they grew up here. We didn’t have any other family, so he took us in. She shrugged. I don’t even remember them.

Seth glanced away. You’re lucky.

Another moment of silence.

What happened to your parents? Sashe asked softly. She remembered what it felt like when she first moved to Shyra ten years ago, how people tip-toed around the subject, how they avoided ever talking about her parents like she might break if they did. She’d only been seven, but she’d hated it.

Seth gazed at her for a moment. They were killed in a battle by the Protectors.

Despite the warm weather, goosebumps spread across her flesh. They weren’t just rumors, then. She had heard about the Protectors for a couple years now: noblemen from the royal city of Renaul who wanted to impose certain laws on the Avialies. The governor, Alastor, blamed it on bigotry and fear of their shape changing magic. Was that why they killed Seth’s parents? She swallowed, looking up at Seth. I’m sorry.

Me, too, he said so quietly Sashe nearly didn’t hear him.

You’ll like Rahuda, Sierra said. It’s probably fun living with Evan, right?

A small smile came onto his face. Yeah, he is fun.

Dar is excited to meet you, Sierra continued. He was going to go into town with us, but he had dueling lessons. He wants another shape changer to get into trouble with.

Uh, Dar, he’s. . .?

Evan’s cousin. The governor’s son.

Right. Seth glanced over his shoulder, his smile widening. Well, Evan and I already snuck into Kale Saven’s apple orchard.

Good! No one likes Kale Saven. Sierra made a face of disgust.

Sashe laughed. Kale Saven was a stingy man and a ruthless boss. The kids their age had made a habit of doing anything to annoy him, and most adults didn’t do anything to stop them because they didn’t like Kale much, either. You’ll fit right in, she told Seth.

Seth smiled at her. Thanks.

She wanted to stay around and talk with him more, but the sun was getting low in the sky. She hooked her arm around Sierra’s. We should get going. We have classes this afternoon.

Natalia said you’re coming over for dinner, Sierra said, so we’ll see you in a couple hours.

So many names to remember, Seth said, picking up his hoe. He pointed at them, repeating their names. And who’s Natalia?

Sierra smiled. Evan’s aunt. Dar’s mother.

The governor’s wife.

You’re catching on already, Sashe said with a friendly smile. Once you meet everyone, it’ll be easier.

Seth grinned back at her. I’ll rely on you two to help me out.

You can count on us, Sashe said, taking a step back reluctantly.

Great. He twirled the hoe in his hand. Back to work, then. Thanks for the nice break.

Sierra backed up first, tugging on Sashe’s arm. Sashe smiled at Seth one last time before getting back on the path with Sierra.

***

Oh, my goodness! Sierra said, breaking into giggles as soon as they were out of sight of Seth. He liked you!

Sashe grinned, her face flushing yet again. You think so?

Um, yes!

The two took the long way through fields and unused roads instead of going through town. She wouldn’t have wanted to grow up anywhere else, but some areas of Rahuda weren’t places two young ladies walked through by themselves. Most of the state of Shyra was farming land, and the town centers like Rahuda attracted folks without jobs, which led to crime and other dark business. Sashe wished it was different, that her friends that lived in town were safer, that she and Sierra could walk through in the middle of the day without worrying what might happen.

It was a lovely late summer’s day, the warmth mild enough to be pleasant. Sashe imagined it was a bit too hot to be working in a cherry orchard, but it was fine for walking. She liked taking in nature and pausing to look at flowers or dip her feet in the river. Being outside and spending time with Sierra calmed her mind from thoughts of the mysterious Protectors.

As they reached the edge of their aunt and uncle’s property, she saw a figure on the road ahead of them. She squinted, raising her hand to block out the sun. She recognized Dar from his dark hair and small stature. He stopped to write in the ground with his walking stick.

Looks like Dar’s come to fetch us, Sierra said.

They reached Dar before he stood up. He looked up at them, then stood while twirling the stick in his hand. Did you meet Seth? he asked, his eyes wide with excitement.

Yes, and he really likes Sashe, Sierra said with a broad smile.

Sashe rolled her eyes. She doesn’t know that. We talked for five minutes, maybe.

Dar’s shoulders drooped as he looked past them towards the cherry orchard. I want to meet him, but Mother and Father want us back right away. Another important meeting.

Sierra dropped her voice, as though someone else stood on the path. Seth said his parents were killed by the Protectors.

Dar’s face grew serious. Really? I thought Evan was just trying to scare me.

Sierra shook her head. He said it himself.

Maybe that’s what Mother and Father want to talk to us about, Dar said. He turned, and the girls fell behind him. Did he say anything else about them?

No, Sashe said, just that they killed his parents.

They walked in silence for a moment, each in their own thoughts. If the Protectors were noblemen from their country, Haltar, why would they be in Jolen? And would they come to the state of Shyra? She couldn’t bear losing Dar or his parents, Natalia or Alastor. It was horrible Seth had to go through that. And what about Evan and his parents? Were they safe? Were any of them?

Dar held up his stick. You guys think I can do it?

Sierra and Sashe exchanged glances. Sierra looked skeptical as she rose her eyebrows and shook her head.

Sashe wasn’t so sure. He’d changed into a tree last week, which wasn’t too far from a stick. Maybe a stick would even be easier, but it was so small, and Dar said changing into things considerably different from his size was more difficult.

Maybe you should try it at home, Sashe said. It usually took a lot of energy out of Dar, and Natalia was waiting on them.

Aw, come on, Dar said, an annoyed whine on his voice.

Remember when you tried to turn into a squirrel? Sierra asked, poking Dar in the chest as she walked past him. He hadn’t made the transformation completely, instead looking like a strange gray rabbit with a human’s face. Alastor had to coach him back into his human form while Sierra howled with laughter in the other room. Sashe couldn’t help grinning as she remembered it.

Dar’s tan skin darkened even more as he blushed. That was two years ago! He trailed behind the girls. I can do it. I did a tree last week.

We’re almost home, Sashe said, tugging on his arm.

Dar rolled his eyes. Fine, but as soon as we get there, I’ll show you.

When they returned home, Natalia, Dar’s mother, met them at the front doors, her hands on her hips. What took you so long? Her brow furrowed, deep lines in her normally flawless skin.

We came straight home, Sashe said.

Natalia sighed. Follow me. She played with her dark braid as they walked down the corridor. Girls, were you at Evan’s? Did you meet Seth?

Yes, we did, Sashe answered. Are you worried because of him?

No, it’s not him. Natalia wrung her hands.

They reached Alastor’s study, and Natalia ushered them inside. The study walls were lined with shelves packed with books. Alastor’s desk was the main piece of furniture in the room, taking up nearly a third of the floor space.

Natalia and Alastor had treated Sashe and Sierra like daughters since taking them in when their parents died. Alastor was a large man, a lord and the governor of Shyra. He sat behind his desk, working on something. He looked up when they entered and set down his pen. It’s about time.

They sat across from the desk in cushy armchairs from the royal city of Renaul. Alastor folded his meaty hands in front of him, and Natalia put her hand on Sashe’s knee, letting out a shaky breath.

Sashe looked from her to Alastor, waiting for the bad news. Her worries about the Protectors flooded back in a rush: their desire to control the Avialies, Seth’s parents being killed. What is this about?

We’ve been concerned about the Protectors for a couple months now, Alastor said, but it seems like they’ve finally struck.

They killed Seth’s parents, Sierra said.

Natalia looked at her, her dark eyes wide. How did you hear about that?

He told us.

He. . .Lina said he’s hardly spoken since he got here a couple days ago.

Sashe’s face warmed. He had been talkative today. She shrugged. He was fine with us.

With you, Sierra said under her breath, smirking.

I thought the Protectors were just a bunch of nobles who didn’t know anything about magic, Dar said.

We thought they were, Alastor replied. He heaved out a sigh, running a hand over his chin. They’re more powerful than we thought. Nearly two dozen Avialies were killed last week, and many more were injured.

Sashe’s mouth fell open. Seth’s parents hadn’t been the only ones, then. She took Sierra’s hand and squeezed it tightly, then looked at Alastor. What? Why would they do that?

The Avialies traveled to Renaul to speak with the king, to lobby against some of the laws the Protectors are trying to enforce. They took it as an act of war and they attacked. His jaw tightened, and his voice became gruff. They said they were protecting their men, but the Avialies didn’t hurt anybody.

Renaul? I thought Seth was from Jolen.

He is. Alastor exchanged a look with his wife. Sashe tried to interpret it, but it could mean anything. His parents went there to help.

Did Seth fight in the battle? Dar asked in a whisper.

Yes, but he’s perfectly fine.

Sashe hadn’t noticed anything wrong with him: no cuts, no bruises, no limping. He’d seemingly gotten away without a scratch, but there was always Thieran healing magic.

But isn’t he our age? Dar asked.

Sixteen, Sashe muttered. Only two years older than Dar, and she couldn’t imagine Dar fighting in a battle, no matter how many dueling lessons he’d taken.

Enough about Seth, Natalia said, knotting her hands into a ball in her lap. You’ll meet him soon, but don’t pressure him to talk about his parents or the battle. It’s the Protectors we need to be careful about.

But I don’t understand, Sashe said. What do they want?

They want us to stop using our magic, Alastor replied. They’re trying to force us to leave Haltar if we don’t.

We’re not going to leave, are we? Dar asked.

No, we’re not. I’ve spoken with the king, and I assured him that Avialies in Rahuda are going to be under my responsibility. Alastor slammed his fist against his chest. Some Avialies do use their magic to hurt people or to steal things, like the Jolenian spies who infiltrated the Haltarian court. But it won’t happen here.

Sashe bit her lip as she took this all in. Nearly thirty years ago, Jolenian shape changers, also called Avialies by their blood name, has infiltrated the Haltarian court during a time of war. They acted like court officials, gained secret information, used it to nearly win the war. Most people outside of the magical families and certain royals didn’t even know about shape changing or any other magic, but once the spies were caught, it had exposed the Avialies to a number of high-ranking nobles. Alastor said the nobles who knew still kept magic secret from others since they were afraid it would corrupt people. Like magic was something evil. And now they wanted them to stop using it completely, to move or risk death?

Sashe had always envied magic, but now she was just the tiniest bit grateful she and Sierra weren’t born into a magical family. She swallowed, glancing at the others guiltily as though they could hear her thoughts.

So, they’re not going to come after us? Dar asked, his eyes boring into his father’s.

No, I’m going to make sure they don’t, Alastor said. Dar, I don’t want you changing in front of anyone but family.

I don’t, Dar said defensively. Sierra and Sashe glanced at each other, Sierra rolling her eyes. Dar and Evan loved changing so much they didn’t even look around before shifting.

Alastor rose his voice. You need to be careful. Kale Saven isn’t the only one you need to worry about, do you understand? It’s more serious.

Dar nodded, pursing his lips.

Are any of the other magical families in danger? Sierra asked.

Probably, but it’s not as extreme, Alastor said. After the spies infiltrated the royal court, they’ve been targeting us.

But the others could do just as much harm, Sierra said.

It was true: Cosas hid and revealed things, and Mahris could brew poisons and love potions. Thierans could even kill people with a snap of their fingers if they were powerful enough.

Alastor raised his shoulders in a shrug. Bigotry and fear are usually unreasonable. The other families are lucky they aren’t being targeted yet. He put a hand up. I just need you all to be very careful. In your speech and your actions. Most of the Protectors are nobles in Renaul. They work for the king and they’re more worried about the royal state. But we can never be too careful. Do you understand?

They nodded. Sashe chewed on her lip, trying not to let her worry show.

Are there any here in Rahuda? Sierra asked.

No, there aren’t. They may visit occasionally, but I’ll let you know if they come.

Sashe almost wished he wouldn’t. That might worry her more than not knowing.

We’re sorry to worry you, Natalia said. We just. . .we thought you deserved to know. She put her arm around Sashe and squeezed her shoulder. We love you.

Sashe smiled softly at her. We love you, too.

***

That night, Evan’s family came over for dinner. Sashe thought about changing her dress, but she decided against it. Everyone would notice. Instead, she asked Sierra to French braid her hair. She sat in front of Sierra’s mirror as Sierra brushed through her hair. Their rooms were right next to each other, and they spent the night with each other just as often as they didn’t.

Sierra’s fingers combing through her hair felt so nice and relaxing. Sashe closed her eyes and tried to melt off her worry from their conversation in Alastor’s study.

They talked more about Seth as they got ready. Sierra seemed to be the only person who could distract her from morbid thoughts about the Protectors. Sashe had hardly concentrated during her afternoon lessons. She kept thinking of the Protectors coming to Rahuda and killing Natalia and Alastor. Or Dar or Evan. Would they hurt her and Sierra? They weren’t Avialies, and Sashe felt a small measure of relief that maybe they weren’t in danger, but even this relief brought on waves of guilt and shame. How could she—

Sierra pulled on her hair, breaking her out of her thoughts. Did you hear what I said?

No, sorry.

Sierra narrowed her eyes at Sashe’s reflection in the mirror. You’re fretting over the Protectors, aren’t you?

No, I’m not, Sashe snapped.

Yes, you are. You fret over everything. Sierra tied off her braid with a ribbon. Finished. She gave Sashe’s reflection an innocent smile. Stay there, I’ll paint your face.

Don’t overdo it, Sashe told her. I don’t want to seem like I’m trying too hard.

Sierra grinned at her as she shorted through the first drawer in her vanity. You mean with Seth? Do you like him?

Sashe grinned back at her. I don’t know, all right? I hardly know him!

Sierra laughed, then sat on her vanity and started painting Sashe’s face with make-up. Neither of them used it very often, but occasionally it could be useful. Sierra’s face was more round than Sashe, less angular, making her look younger than she actually was. Sashe was sure she’d grow out of it in a few years, as she had. They had very similar hair: dark brown, thick, and slightly wavy.

When Sierra was done, Sashe’s cheekbones looked more prominent, and she had dark paint on her eyes. It looks great, she told Sierra.

How’s my hair? Sierra asked, turning so her back faced Sashe. Just a bit of her hair was pulled back in a ribbon.

It’s gorgeous, Sashe said as she smoothed a small tangle out. Come on, I think I heard them outside.

When they went downstairs, Evan’s family and Seth were in the sitting room with Alastor and Natalia. Seth stood next to the fireplace with Evan and Alastor. He was cleaned up and, if it were actually possible, he looked even better than earlier. He had a clean white shirt on, the sleeves rolled up to above his elbows and the top open to show a glimpse of a fit chest. His black hair was still slightly damp, and a part of it kept falling in front of his eyes. Sashe tried not to stare, but she was pretty sure she failed. She didn’t feel so bad, though, because he stared at her, too, his lips slightly parted.

Natalia paused in her conversation with Evan’s parents as the girls came in. Girls, where’s Dar?

I don’t know, Sierra said, walking over to Seth. Hi, Seth.

Sashe, will you go get him? Natalia asked.

Sashe nodded. As she left, she caught Natalia’s amused look. She shook her head in the hallway. She wasn’t going to be that girl. She needed to act normal. Men and boys watched her as she passed, and she acted aloof, uncaring. That’s who she was, and one handsome newcomer wasn’t going to