Freedom — Tony Shillitoe

Ashan'e and her Dragonkin know Alwyn is the key to the Genesis Stone, and they no longer need the Dragon Priests to help them find the Stone and defeat their ancient nemeses, the Alfyn. When Alwyn proves reluctant to serve the Dragonkin mission, preferring to serve the poor and oppressed Jaru as the Teacher, the dragons begin a ruthless campaign to round up and kill the people closest to Alwyn's heart, and force him to fulfil the prophecy. The Ashuak Empire was built on the might of the dragons, but when the dragons no longer respond to the Dragon Priests' calls the Empire's enemies seize the opportunity to break the imperialist shackles and take revenge on the once-fearsome Ashuak. Sukaal Vekesh is tasked with defending the fragile Empire against military forces determined to destroy the world he knows, and must survive by trusting his enemies with his life. Spurred by the miraculous return of Shana, and the legend of the Death Tiger, the Jaru armies clash with the Ashuak, but are driven to defend themselves in a final stand on the ancient hilltop fortress of Emerald. An old foe uses the siege as an opportunity to capture the Death Tiger, and Shana sees a chance to be avenged. Caught in the wars between human nations, and the impending war between the Dragonkin and the Alfyn, Alwyn must decide how to use the wells of knowledge and magical power he has acquired. If he is the key to the prophecy, is he also the key to its outcome?