Chapter 2: The RaveIt came to pass that humankind had lived in the shadow of the Great Tree for so long, that its image became shrouded in mist, and its gifts but an echo in their minds. And as the tribes of men began to favor that which was created by their own hand over the gifts of the Great Tree, the world began to sicken and wither. Too long had humankind strayed from the path of righteousness. And so it was that the land would become barren, the water poison, and even the very air thick and choking.
—Selected passages from The Book of the Origin by Bella Aurelius Nobilis, Modern Language Translation
* * * *
The rumble of a distant explosion rattled Lina from her peaceful slumber. “Damn rebels,” she muttered, and rolled over again. In her hazy state, Lina patted the empty space tha
