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

“Kenna’s.” Picking up the talisman, she looked it over before giving the staple command. “Ma,” she pronounced firmly.


It pulsed and glowed, but nothing else happened. They waited a few moments in silence just to make sure, but to no new result. “God dammit, not another one.” She sighed. Picking up a long piece of paper, she paced into the barn to get out of the bright morning sun. With the newly activated talisman still glowing, she resumed her chant-like checking


Terrell looked over at him and smiled. “Good morning. How’d you sleep?”


It took a moment for it to register, but Dakota eventually noticed that his friend stood with the help of a simple black cane. He held it close to his left leg and leaned on it for support. “You hurting? More than usual, I mean.” When Terrell didn’t seem to understand, he pointed at the walking aid.


Chapter 14