story

Eliam is clumsy, thick-headed, and useless by the standards of his people. Yet he seeks to prove his worth to both society and his elder sister Kalindra.

His race, the derha, were once a strong and proud people known for their powerful magicks. Now, they are dying of a mysterious plague. Amongst the victims was his mother, an altruist that dedicated her life to searching for a cure.

When Eliam finds notes of his mother’s work, his life begins to change in ways that no one–not even his cunning sister–could have anticipated.

Eliam is finally ready to stand up for himself, but Kalindra refuses to allow their mother’s work to be bastardized. Little does she know that the fate of their people may very well rest in the hands of an illiterate fool.

characters

Eliam – Young, but not young enough. He’s already failed his rite of passage once and this is his last chance to prove himself to his people. Very fool-hardy and awkward–but he tries hard. He likes animals, food, and aimless wandering.

Kalindra – Eliam’s elder sister. Bitter and distant, she is a successful merchant and sorceress. She has very specific opinions and holds little tolerance for error. She likes jewelry, perfection, and alchemy.

Amaziah – An eccentric that rounds the edges of derha society like a stray dog. She is extremely crafty, yet completely inept with social graces. She likes Eliam, mushrooms, and not bathing.

Milali – Kalindra’s daughter and apprentice. She is one of the few positive influences in her uncle Eliam’s life, but lacks the ambition to acheive her own dreams. She also likes Eliam, daydreaming, and cooking.

Lindsey – A member of the most notorious rogue’s guild in the human world. Even though he’s one of the first humans that Eliam manages to “befriend”, their relationship is hardly healthy. He likes drinking, guns, and the color blue.

Isolde – Even as the most influential young woman in Lourdes, the human kingdom, Isolde feels disenchanted with her place in life. Her sense of adventure and interest in “boy’s things” gets her in trouble fairly often. She likes traveling and weapons.

places

Ardi – The collective name for the known world.

“Home” – Once a small pitstop between trade cities, what is left of it is used by the remaining derha for temporary shelter. This is Eliam, Kalindra, and Milali’s current residence, along with a handful of other derha families.

Lourdes – The human kingdom.