Prelude

Three sentient species populate the dystopian world of Aarda. The nature worshiping Abrhaani, the militaristic, resource exploiting Eniila, and the spiritual Sokai hold opposing viewpoints. At war for centuries, The Eniila and the Abrhaani have nearly destroyed each other, but the Sokai have vanished. The 'Thousand Years War,' between the nature worshiping Abrhaani species and the warlike Eniila, has ended. While they fought each other, the ancient evil Nethera gained strength. Soon the Nethera will unleash their secret plan. They will ignite a new conflict, enslave both species, and transform Aarda into a living hell.Rehaak, an Abrhaani scholar, has uncovered clues to a massive, centuries-old conspiracy against his people. The Ecclesiarches, religious leaders of the Abrhaani, declare Rehaak a heretic and ban him from further research. Exiled and denied access to Narragansett's library's resources on the pain of death, he becomes a recluse deep in the southern forests of Khel Braah. There he meets Isil, an Abrhaani woman who shares his faith but hides a history of abuse. Assassins, followers of a mysterious cult violently opposed to Rehaak's beliefs, pursue him southward, and he will face them and the Nethera alone if he can't find alliesLaakea is a motherless teenaged runaway whose abusive father has threatened his life. While fleeing for his life, he uncovers a mystery. Although Laakea, the warrior-youth, is an enemy, Rehaak rescues Laakea, and the two men become Sword Brothers. Through their friendship, they discover their roles in a cosmic conflict and expose the conspiracy behind centuries of warfare. He and Rehaak must rise above the hatred and solve the puzzle to stop the Nethera. If Laakea can protect Rehaak from the assassins sent to kill him, Rehaak might live long enough to bring peace to their world and save both their species.Join the adventure as Rehaak, Isil, and Laakea solve the riddle of ehlbringa, the mysterious metal, and search for the Aetheriad. Can they survive long enough to defeat the Nethera and save both their species from extinction?About the series:Schultz has built a culturally diverse world full of adventure, magic, and political intrigue in his series, The Songs of Aarda. Complex stories of friendship and heroism are woven throughout overarching plots and detailed subplots with the background of a world so real, you will feel as if you're watching a movie.Christie Stratos, author of the Dark Victoriana Collection.