Ashes of The Peninsula

Chapter 4: The Origin of Everything

Elyas: Ask that old man over there.

Imran: That's my uncle — and he's still stronger than you.

At least he can still use magic.

Elyas: You really don't know anything, do you, kid?

(Imran walks away toward his uncle, sitting beneath the tree.)

Imran: Uncle… what's going on?

I can't make sense of anything.

Samir: Look, Imran…

Our tribe, the Banu Malik, founded magic nearly 500 years ago.

We've lived along the great stretch from the Black Sea all the way to the Strait of Hormuz in the south.

We were the ones who taught magic to others.

We collected tribute and taxes from traders passing through our route.

That's how we became a strong, unshakable tribe.

But as magic spread too widely…

And as the Warriors od Darkness began their war on magic,

we were forced to limit our use of it — and turn a blind eye to what was happening.

Our tribe weakened.

We lost many sorcerers… some of them even from our own bloodline.

I know you're scared and confused.

You don't understand much right now — but you will, with time.

Each one of us holds a unique magical potential.

With training… and when the right moment awakens it… it can manifest.

Look at Riyadh. He's extremely strong — but his magic is practically useless.

His strength lies in his pinpoint accuracy.

He can land an arrow on any target he chooses, effortlessly.

But… even that won't save him against someone like me,

whose magic is the Art of Emission.

Imran: Uncle… how does each person get their magic? Why is everyone different?

Samir: I don't know.

But we're not the ones who choose our power.

There are many kinds of magic:

Illusion, Runes, Astrology, Emission, Summoning, Control, Influence, and Unique Magic.

Unique Magic seems to be what Elyas has —

His magic doesn't exist inside him,

It's tied to his weapon.

Without that weapon, he can't use it at all.

Imran: But how did we even create magic in the first place?

Samir:

Our great ancestor… Malik…

Somehow discovered a way to use magic.

He began teaching it to others in our tribe.

And the rest… is history.

(Nazek and Absi are listening nearby, quietly.

Riyadh keeps a close eye on Elyas with suspicion.)

[End of Chapter 4]