Veil of Ash (Ascension Trilogy #1)

Prologue

The following excerpt has been translated from Old Ethoric to the Common Tongue. It is the only verified translation in circulation.

“In the beginning, there was nothing and no one, for Ethoria had yet to be.

Aeta and her twin brother, Anam, were born of pure starlight.

Anam formed Ethoria from the lifeless rocks in the Sky, and Aeta planted the first seed.

From that seed, life was created. After creation, Anam took to the Ground, and Aeta stayed true to the Sky, becoming known as Our Lady of the Stars.

“Our Lady craved more kin, children to bless with life and love.

With three tears, she created three celestial children: Elspeth, Oren, and Netali.

Each celestial child was gifted a portion of Her power.

Elspeth: Bender of Wind, Seer of Fate, and Courier of Death.

Oren: Keeper of Knowledge, Bearer of Seasons, and Father of Beasts.

Netali: Mother of Salt and Sea, Enchantress, and Lady of Love.

The celestial children protect the balance of Ethoria; that is their purpose.

“Aeta took from both Ethoria and herself to create mortals. Their lives are brief, yet full of hope—something no god possesses, for they do not need it. Mortals are a reminder to all that time is fleeting and must be exalted. Being of the Ground, mortals must also answer to Anam. His price for their life is judgment upon their soul after death.”

-The Old Book