Proem

Humans didn’t exist. Not in the beginning. Instead, creatures of myriad forms roamed the earth, creating a delicate dance of predator and prey.

Growing weary of these brutish beings, the five Gods united to create humankind in their divine image.

This extraordinary new race was endowed with free will by the breath of the wind, wisdom by the murmurs of the streams, steadfast morals by the wishes of living beings, and passionate hearts by the flames’ fervor.

Yet, despite their superiority in every other way, the humans were still physically weak.

The twin deities born of fire were infuriated by the ease with which their children succumbed to illness and cowered in fear before predators.

“How could a species crafted in the image of the Gods be so easily felled by sickness and brute-minded beasts?” they cried out in their indignation.

The other Gods murmured amongst themselves, and the embodiment of the rivers, streams, and oceans stepped forth with grace.

They offered a proposition. “Why not endow humanity with the divine powers of the Gods?”

The voices of the Gods buzzed with excitement at the suggestion.

A vote was held, and it was agreed. Humanity would be granted the ability to harness the elements of the Gods. Yet, a question lingered: how would these powers be distributed?

Arion, the Deity of Water, spoke first. They declared that their element would be gifted only to those born with innate talent, the Wals.

The God of Air, Liraz, was reluctant to part with his element. He decreed that only those destined for grand fates could be called Aery.

Orion, the God of Earth, chose to bestow his gifts upon those of pure heart or mind, creating the Tipu and Tanah.

However, many humans lacked exceptional talent, pure hearts, or grand destinies. To maintain balance, Sorrel and Sora, the God and Goddess of Fire, graciously bestowed the element of fire upon the rest of humanity, establishing the Fiammes, the Flares, … and the Ashes.

Thus, the five Gods stood tall and presented their gifts to humankind.

For many centuries, the human race flourished, forming splendid kingdoms and intricate societies, triumphing over the beasts that once ruled the earth.

Peace prevailed among the mortal creatures for many generations. Yet as time passed, greed took root in the hearts of men.

Once bountiful forests became barren land, destroyed by the people who exploited them for money.

Plague was no longer the deadliest disease, as war had spread to the hearts of humans, driven by the slothful rulers and the avaricious soldiers.

Growing irked by the unending cycle of battle and the predictable fools who starved for power, the God of Air vowed to raise a ruler who demonstrated true fitness for the crown.

And so, he found a child destined for greatness and placed in her hands the gift of air.

Through her dreams, he guided her, teaching her to wield her powers with strength and kindness. He poured his divine love into her being, crafting a warrior who was born to lead.

When the time came, she lent her strength to the whole of the people, vanquishing the tyrants and claiming her rightful place on the throne.

Thus, our benevolent Queen of Isela, Queen Collette, led us into an age of prosperity and peace, dedicating her life to the well-being of her people and-

Z snapped the book shut, an ugly scowl disjointing his face.

Gritting his teeth, he tossed the book behind him, landing it in a greasy puddle of water that soaked the pages gray.

His scuffed sneakers shuffled forward while Z shifted the backpack strap on his shoulder with a frown. Walking through the flowery gates of his new school, only one thought lingered at the back of his mind.

“What a load of bullshit propaganda.”