Shield Bearer

~ Where duty and passion collide~Within days of being rescued from Desperation Crevasse, Lilian must return to the crevasse at Lucius' side as his shield bearer. Together with their guild allies, they confront the Despoilers to end the threat to Blooded Dagger and the cartel once and for all. But when Lucius is injured in the savage battle and their enemies flee to fight another day, Lilian is left to protect him, Blooded Dagger, and the cartel.Stranded on Desperation until he recovers, Lucius and Lilian must penetrate the mystery of an ancient prophecy before the remaining Despoilers can exploit his weakness. But even with Lucius' formidable allies gathered to assist, it will take all his cunning and Lilian's courage to counter their enemies, both old and unforeseen, before they endanger the Nightingale's voyage to the Thirteenth System.Across the Twelve Systems, from Desperation to Metricelli Prime and Fortuna, Lilian and Lucius will battle to protect their love and forge a future for themselves, Blooded Dagger, Serengeti, and the Twelve Systems. Author's Note: This is book 9 of the Twelve Systems Chronicles, the continuation of the story that begins in The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1.