Excerpt: A Rising Wind (Ayree's Story)

Prologue:
In the distant mists of the past, before the Drasch left their mark upon the land with blood and fire, Schetar was not four lands but one that stretched from coast to mountain to river. It was a diverse land of plains and desert and coast providing a beacon of peace and enlightenment to travelers far and wide. Under the beneficent guidance of the Allasiah the land prospered in a golden age but bitter hearts grew in jealousy beyond the mountains and one day a small group of travelers journeyed through the pass to take residence in the promised land as many others before them had. Those who made their lives on the slopes of the mountains welcomed them. They gave them land and helped them build their homes without ever recognizing the evil in their hearts. That year spring came with fire and summer with the beat of marching feet. A path of blood ran down the mountains to the plains below where seed and scythe were set aside for blades and battle. Fall arrived in the ashes of cities that were no more, their inhabitants dull-eyed and disillusioned even as victory came with the falling leaves. The threat had been pushed back through the mountain’s pass but the victory was hollow as snow fell to cover the new graves of those who had fallen in the battle. The Allasiah had grown old and weary so they gathered their four sons and gave the land into their caring hands. As they passed their final breaths a prophecy was spoken of a returning threat and the one to come who carried the lineage of kings and seers who would defeat them for all time returning the land to peace once more.