The Seven (Fist of Light Series) by Derek Edgington

unknown to this world, and the leaves of their trees caressed them like an ardent lover. Vampires lived off of donated blood, rather than directly from the source, or if they had to, taking diminutive portions from their victims so as to not endanger lives. A coalition of vampires and Were protected humans in a war fought across the ages. Ogres fought goblins that were threatening the livestock of an unassuming farmer. Magicians fought for humanity, fighting off the forces employed by the Dark with fervor next-door to righteous vengeance. Various other images filled my mind: that of preternatural beings coexisting peacefully with humans, merely desiring to live their life peacefully and without outside intercession.
    Then the flood of information sped up once more to be filed away, and the glimpse of the past dissipated. No longer was I unseen and unnoticed, and I touched the ground around me in order to convince myself of my return to reality.
    “So… People like me. What you’re saying is that they’ll be both good and bad?”
    “ Certainly, they will. The myths pertaining to the matter are vague, even to me. But one thing’s glaringly evident : when you put a big red button for a nuclear warhead in the same room with children not provided their ADHD meds, all that’s going to be left is rubble. You Seven all have more power than can be imagined, and there’s a reckoning impending. Get your affairs in order, boy, because if you don’t you won’t last past the weeks end, and that means that I will no longer be cognizant of this world, either .”
    “Fine. Then let’s start with what I call you. I can’t just call you Amulet.”
    A dry chuckle wafted up from our connection. “ Jeeves. You may call me Jeeves. This newly developed language would mangle my true name unbearably. Names have power and true names more so when given from your own lips. Remember that, if nothing else .”
    I laughed when Jeeves provided his name. I was garnering peculiar looks all across the room and wasn’t surprised. It wouldn’t be out of place for me to be avoided like the plague from this point forward, but that suited me.
    I concentrated on the topic at hand. “Okay, Jeeves . I won’t ask how you decided on that one. But, if you are so tied to my own destiny, then it would be wise to provide me with some instruction regarding these newly developed abilities.”
    Sarcasm was evident in his response when Jeeves bothered to respond. “ Of course. First things first, then. You need to learn basic control over all five elements. It will be an easy task. It’ll take you time, something you don’t have an excess of. You will have a propensity for two elements. No matter what, you’re far behind your lady friend, and that is unacceptable. The other persuasion comes into their power up to a year before males, so she already possesses a large advantage .”
    I started with a response that I thought would be the least likely to be seen as incredibly stupid, directing my thoughts internally. “ Well then, can’t I just ask Em for some pointers ?”
    Jeeves’ laughter pounded on the air like a living thing. Apparently my question was stupid after all. “ You must be joking, boy. You’re priceless. Let me just take a moment to bask in your ignorance .” He paused, and I stewed and waited, just barely containing a biting response. “ Each person goes about manipulating the elements in a specialized manner. They all acquire a unique skillset when touching their power. You’ll need to uncover your own path, but only after will I begin direction of your training, so you don’t spontaneously combust .”
    “ All right, sounds like I should get to work then ,” I replied, preparing to leave the relative comfort provided by the bed. “ Wait, What ?! Spontaneously combust ? Are you kidding me ? Yeah, that’s it, right ? You’re just pulling my leg. Ha ha, very funny .”
    “ It’s not as common as it once was, when the leading