Exhausted with life, Dakota tries to end his -- only to be saved at the last moment by his friend Terrell, who then drags him into a world of magic and intrigue that's always been right there, hidden beneath the surface.<br><br>Powerful magic users are steadily pulling the planet into a violent war, and evil forces will stop at nothing to take the talismans possessed by Dakota and his newfound family. Dakota soon finds himself deeply in over his head ... with love, with family, with fighting for all their lives.

The Pyre Starter

Terrell frowned. The seriousness of his approach meant that any teasing immediately came off as a form of disrespect. But he took it in stride. “It’s funny you say that, actually. I think a lot of these things were meant to make life easier. Especially back when our survival as a species was kind of in question. Farming, building houses, staying warm in the winter. I think they gave us an edge over the wilderness.”


Dakota sat back. “You mean like somebody handed them over to help us survive?”


“Maybe. That, or some people early on just figured it out. Early magicians and alchemists. I really have no idea. I can’t prove any of my theories, at least not yet.” He continued pensively, “We’re just getting started, really.” He carefully collected his notes and slipped them back into his bag. He sensed Dakota’s disinterest.


Chapter 12