The Initiate

Zhava's life was planned for her: She was promised in marriage to a respectable trader's son across the mountains. But as her father negotiated the bride-price, the King's guards showed up, paid him more than he asked, and took her away. As one blessed by the Gods, Zhava can control the wind and small rocks - and most impressive of all, fire. Now an Initiate at the King's training center, Zhava must study the kingdom's holy book, learn to fight with a sword, and hardest of all, take firm control of her Gods-given Abilities.

Not all is safe for her and the other trainees, however. Students and even soldiers are vanishing in the night, stolen away by a mighty creature out of legend. Worst of all, the creature is controlled by a shadowy figure who quotes an evil God and seems determined to kill anyone loyal to the King - especially those blessed with Abilities such as Zhava's.

7,000 years ago, when the Gods bestowed their gifts, one girl received more than she ever dreamed.