"Ilos:
The Beginning" by Leah Arden, summary Automatic translate

This story is a prequel to the popular "Descendants of the First" series, revealing the mysteries of the origins of magic and the continent’s split. Written in 2022, the book is told in the first person, following the protagonist’s deathbed confession. The narrative explores the origins of the world through the lens of a difficult family drama, where newly acquired magic collides directly with human vices.

In 2022, Leah Arden received the Young Adult National Literary Award (YAF) for her work.

Life in Astara and the magic of the First Ones

The world is slowly recovering from the devastating Black Winter. Harsh climate conditions forced people to fight for survival. The protagonist’s father managed to unite the survivors and created a powerful state called Astara. The children of the ruler and his wife, Roxana, receive special Gifts. People call them the First Ones.

Isar, the eldest son, commands the powers of air. Kaid controls blinding light. Shane controls water, and his secondary Gift allows him to subtly sense the emotions of others. Ilos, the fourth child, possesses the unique power of absorbing others’ magic, which he conceals from others.

The usual order of magic acquisition is suddenly disrupted. The family’s only daughter, Teyala, gains mastery over fire ahead of schedule. The brothers actively participate in the restoration of the Continent. They embark on diplomatic missions, visit the neighboring lands of Cera and Sabon, and suppress rebellions.

Ilos spends long hours training. He duels with heavy swords against Isar and Kaid, honing his combat skills. The family seems incredibly close. The brothers jealously guard their sister from any attention from outsiders. Teyala often uses fire magic to fulfill her personal whims, for which she regularly receives severe reprimands.

A Crack in the Family

The relatively peaceful life begins to unravel. After a long campaign, Isar’s older brother returns home with a fiancée named Eileen. The girl turns out to be a simpleton, lacking the magical appeal of the First Ones. Isar confidently announces their impending wedding. This event greatly irritates Teyala.

The sister becomes withdrawn and sullen. Her abrupt behavior greatly frightens her brothers. She openly provokes conflicts among her relatives. Tensions in the family mount rapidly. Tejala is unable to control her emotions and her unbridled, fiery nature.

One day, she does the unthinkable — she secretly kisses Ilos. This forbidden act deeply shocks the young man. Kaid accidentally notices something odd about their interactions. He sternly reprimands Ilos, suspecting something amiss in his brother’s behavior. Ilos tries his best to avoid his sister. He spends his free time in the company of Isar and Eileen, hoping to avoid unnecessary quarrels.

Tragedy at the Hokhan festival

Exactly 10 years have passed since the end of the Black Winter. The family organizes a grand festival, the Hokhan. The celebration is meant to unite the people and serve as a vibrant prelude to Isar’s long-awaited wedding. Guests flock to Astara from all over the world. The city is awash in luxury and loud music.

In the midst of the celebration, something terrible happens. Teyala completely loses control of her mind. A terrible fight breaks out in the pavilion. Teyala directs destructive power at Shane. She tries to kill her brother or drain his energy to calm her own fire. Ilos immediately rushes to her aid. Kaid also intervenes in the brutal brawl. As a result of the brawl, Shane survives, but Teyala dies.

Ilos becomes the primary witness to his sister’s death. He makes the difficult decision to conceal the true circumstances of the incident. In desperation, Qaid slaps Ilos across the face, directly blaming him for the tragedy. Shane withdraws and refuses to talk. People around him begin to look at Ilos with fear and obvious suspicion. Unable to bear the weight of guilt, Ilos decides to leave his home. He travels far south, into the dangerous desert.

Meeting in the Pargada Desert

Ilos leaves his horse at a dry lake and walks about 15 kilometers. Exhausted by thirst, he passes out on the hot sand. In the wasteland, he unexpectedly encounters Princess Aara and her faithful companion, Dastan. The encounter begins with extreme hostility. Aara, without hesitation, shoots an arrow straight into the stranger’s leg.

Aara turns out to be the biological daughter of Yaran, the ruler of the desert city of Pargad. These arid lands suffer greatly from a lack of water and constant attacks by terrifying monsters. The locals call these bloodthirsty beasts the Fallen.

Demons form legions and destroy all life in their path. Aara truly hates these creatures. Previously, the monsters killed her older brother, Kalan. The girl witnessed his death with her own eyes, but was forced to flee to save her own life.

Training and new allies

Ilos decides to remain in Pargad. With his vast combat experience, the young man takes on the rigorous training of soldiers. He patiently teaches Aara and Dastan the proper use of a heavy sword. Aara takes an unconventional approach to combat, possessing a rare form of shadow magic. Her Gift allows her to instantly envelop her enemies in dense darkness.

Gradually, a strong mutual attraction develops between Ilos and Aara. Together, they venture into the dangerous wastelands and hunt demons. Ilos quickly earns the respect of Yaran and the soldiers. Pargad gains an incredibly powerful protector.

Soon, Shane arrives in the hot desert. His brother finds Ilos amid the sands. Relations between them remain strained, but Shane decides to help the city. Using the powerful Gift of Water, he alleviates the severe drought in Pargad. This noble act restores the fragile bond between the brothers.

The Battle with the Fallen and Life in the South

The monsters are becoming increasingly aggressive. Vast legions of Fallen are advancing on Pargad. Ilos personally leads the city’s heavy defense, developing cunning tactics for maneuvering in the harsh desert conditions. Aara actively uses shadow magic to disorient the terrifying beasts. Dastan boldly commands the vanguard.

The battles are brutal and realistic. Ilos saves Aara from fatal blows several times. The Fallen try to break the princess’s spirit, mockingly reminding her of her brother Kalan’s death. Aara steadfastly endures this blow. Together, the trained army of Pargad repel the attacks of the demon legions.

After the final victory, life quickly improves. Ilos and Aara celebrate a lavish wedding. Ilos sever ties with her past and remains in the desert. Several years later, the wise ruler Yaran dies. Ilos supports Aara and helps her rule Pargad. Aara gives birth to sons.

The story ends with the hero in his old age. Aar’s beloved wife dies. Three months later, Ilos sits down to write. Sensing his impending death, he decides to tell the honest truth. He writes down the story of his life and confesses: "I have branded myself a murderer." He leaves this dark secret to his descendants.