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In the Hold, each Gifted can master only one kind of magic. The merciless Triumvirate has ruled for ages?until now. An Omnimaster is born.
Magic System of the Hold: Magic is the lifeblood of the Hold, deeply entangled in its social fabric. Although widespread, it is not universal, as the specific abilities are passed down through inheritance. These skills are honed within Syndicates, each dedicated to a particular magic art. Syndicates oversee study and commerce in their respective field of interest. Membership is mandatory for those gifted who progress from Apprentice to Ultimate Master.
Political System: The Hold is ruled by a Triarchy, commonly known as ‘the Triumvirate.’ Its oppressive regime is upheld by the Varrekian Guardians, who are not only skilled warriors but also proficient in magic. Each Triumvirate member is a Prime Overlord. The Triumvirate consists of: Zorvath, Prime Overlord and Ultimate Healcraft Master; Arcadis, Prime Overlord and Ultimate Mind Control Master; Xandor, Prime Overlord. There is no doubt that Xandor is a skilled mage, but as no one has ever seen him use his abilities, he is considered the most mysterious figure in the Hold.
Geography: Eirlyss, or the Hold, is a land of mountains, forests, and underground cities. It has a unique day-night cycle with no seasons. The temperatures during the day are mild, dropping to dangerously low levels at night. To survive, people retreat underground while the flora and fauna have evolved to endure the severe environmental shifts.
History: The Triumvirate has ruled for thirty-three generations, carefully suppressing any mention of discontent among the populace and falsifying the deeper history of Eirlyss.
Economy: Commerce drives the Hold’s economy, with bartering common among the poor and coins used in cities. Peasants have little to live on because of the high taxes, which keep them in poverty.
Infrastructure: Most of the infrastructure is underground: sturdy buildings with subterranean levels provide shelter; a network of roads connects the cities, allowing trade despite the harsh environment.
Plot: After concluding a commercial deal, Yliam, a trader and the last descendant of the overthrown Ludarion Circle, witnesses a dispute. The argument is between an alchemist and Kaedon ? a 14-year-old boy forced to pay more than he usually does for the same item. Under pressure, Kaedon wields a form of magic beyond his usual training, defying the established “one-person, one-magic” principle. His unique ability to master multiple forms of magic sets him apart from everyone else.
Recognizing the potential in the boy, Yliam approaches him. As Kaedon’s mastery develops, he becomes a formidable mage, the first Omnimaster. At the same time, Yliam draws upon the lost knowledge of the once-dominant sorcerous guild that the Triumvirate overthrew, expanding his own powers. Their alliance strengthens when they meet the charismatic peasant leader Thalindra, known as Shroudstray. United by the desire for a change, the three rally those dissatisfied with the existing order, spearheading the resistance against the Triarchy’s authoritarian rule.
This is a novella-length story and the first part of an ongoing series.
A must-read for fans of fast-paced, episodic fantasy adventures.
