Beneath the Scales (1) (The Knowledge Effect)

The Knowledge Effect: Book One Loyalty and truth will be redefined as a young orphan undertakes a quest that will change his life. Martus is doing all he can to help his magically gifted sister, Elsaben, living with the frustration that it's never enough. They're living hand to mouth on what he can steal, and under the table jobs aren't enough for Martus to fund the training Elsaben needs. He's desperate to find a way to help her, but he's getting a reputation as a troublemaker, which will only endanger what meager living he's already scratching for. His life changes drastically in the course of a single day when a dragon attacks their village, leaves it in flames, and then carries Elsaben away. Knowing there is nothing else for him to do, Martus swears to rescue her and avenge their home, knowing he'll either return triumphant... or die. What he finds in the mountains challenges his perceptions and prejudices, leading him discover that he may have a chance at a better life, including a friend of the likes he never expected. This adventure could change his worldview-including the beliefs he's always accepted as the norm.