Oreesius’ hazel eyes scanned the horizon as the bright, sunny glow in the air suddenly turned a dull, sickly green. All around him, the sand and dirt began to shift and groan. Breath catching in his throat, he scribbled a hasty note on a torn piece of parchment:

Prince Lt. O. Leete

Lost in Shifting Sands.

YARDAN awakes.

Death com—

A heavy fog rolled from the ground at his feet, blocking out the sunlight. Trembling, Oreesius snatched the sawtooth dagger from his belt, letting the plea fall,...