Chapter One - INVASION
“We cannot burn the ships now – there are slaves onboard and many are children!” The Lady Elite stood on the high cliffs of Peak’s Watch, her chief commander at her side, the fresh breeze buffeting their cloaks. She gazed at the bay below where several cutters stood at anchor, the crews loading the last of the captive villagers aboard from dinghies. “Dealing with the raids in Merl and Trento cost us too much time,” she frowned at the Gaian commander beside her. “We were spread too thin… these dogs have already razed Westerlea!” She turned to look inland over the burning village and beyond to a dust cloud of fast-approaching riders. “I was mistaken to think we could fire every ship before it landed. I misjudged the numbers… they were cloaked by wards I have never encountered before.” She glanced along the rocky headland to her dragon, perched on the highest point as he observed the scene below, flicking his tail restlessly. “There are too many, even for Ra!” She chewed her lip in a rare show of indecision.
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Dear Readers, to provide some insight into the beliefs and mystical talents of the Lord of Fire and his people - the magic system of The Fire Chronicles - here is a summary... GAIAN PHILOSOPHY and ELEMENTAL MAGIC “Existence has no beginning, and the notion of an ‘end’ is purely relative. Consider this phenomenon, Existence, as a series of interdimensional cycles, an ebb and flow of destruction and regeneration that can sometimes – not always – be altered by our choices. Each Realm is governed by a different set of laws, yet all are interconnected by the Eternal Flame and the inexorable Thread of Fate. The question has ever been: How do each of us find meaningful – that is to say, higher – purpose in the cycle into which we are born? Without a doubt, we must use our powers wisely.” (ext. ‘Handbook of the High Arts’ by Grand Master Churian.) The Forces of Nature Perception and Control (possessed in some measure by all Gaians, these skills require constant training and practise). Of… Material Forces, ie., Wind, Water, Earth Of… Material and Ethereal, ie., Emotions, Virtues Of… Supreme Forces, ie., The Fires: (only ever attained by dragons and the Lord of Fire) The Fire of Destruction The Fire of Love The Fire of Despair The Fire of Hope and Healing The Fire of Rage and Anger |
AuthorAuthor of the The Fire Chronicles Series, Susi pens her fantasy worlds for others to explore. Archives
December 2021
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