Prologue

In an age where signs of the ancient Nerathian race are almost non-existent there are those who still live under the oppression created by the forces of humankind. Hidden within society are the few remaining peoples who still have the “old blood” coursing through their veins. Most are blissfully unaware of their own heritage, going about daily life never realizing the potential they have inside. In the land of Shranelyn peace was all that the people knew, but change was on the horizon. One of the last writings of an almost forgotten race predicts that in the coming years the “old blood will sing once again”. The king, Klishmar, has other ideas and control of The Book. He means to ensure that will never happen but even the most cautious cannot predict where it will begin. The purge of the Nerathian race called the “Kin Wars” has faded in the minds of the people and after a thousand years magic is but a myth. Anyone who shows signs of extraordinary talents is reported and removed following the laws laid down centuries ago. There are some families who have remained hidden even after all this time but there are times when they cannot hide all of the signs. Raethar has lived his whole life thinking it mere coincidence that he has had to move so frequently. As he comes of age he begin to suspect that there may be things his parents are not telling him but his trust is complete. His life has barely begun and yet the trials that await him will forever change lands of Shranelyn. The call of “The Blood” has become strong after so long buried and change is on the winds. Knowledge long lost to his race will resurface, and the fate of the world may well rest on Raethar’s ability to unlock secrets thought lost forever to the sands of time.