Aether: Painter of Skies

The world is harsh, but it's all we've ever known. Birth is the first right to privilege, then the Marking. You pray your Marking is favourable, but the waters are unpredictable. It can mean the difference between luxury and poverty. One of the Four. Or death.

The waters are re-blessed every ten years. And every ten years the group of travellers, the most accomplished and promising from the Four, are sent to gather the materials for the ritual. They die. With no explanation. The waters choose their victims and you just pray for poverty rather than that warm tingle on your forehead that marks your choosing.

Times are only getting harsher. More are being sent and more are dying. The Four are growing old and restless, growing harsher with every passing edict. We need change. We need a hero.

We need Five.

This is the prologue to the high fantasy series I hope to get my teeth into this year. Enjoy! All comments and feedback welcome, this is in very early stages so any comments are really appreciated.