Chapter One
Adin

12-year-old Adin sat on the streets of Del, his brown hair waving in the wind and brown eyes staring at the sky. He was strong for his age from working with his father, a blacksmith, but he was still scrawny. "Adin, someday I will go far away and I want you to become a blacksmith like me. The tribe will need swords, shields, and other equipment if we are going to defend the attacks from the other tribes," his father said that morning. Adin was afraid of the other tribes. He heard that strange savages lived in those places.

Adin learned that there were seven tribes; Del, the tribe Adin lived in, Ralad, Plains, Mere, Dread Gnomes, Tora, and Jalis. Adin also learned that each tribe had a special gem and each gem had its own powers. Adin didn't know the names or powers of the gems except the one in Del. The Topaz protected people from the terrors of the night. It had the power to open doors to the spirit world and it strengthened and cleared the minds of people.

As the sun went down in the horizon, Adin walked home, looking forward to supper. He was famished from the games he and his friends had played throughout the day. "Ahh, just in time for dinner," his mother said as he came in the house. Adin looked at the table and smelled the tomato soup and vegetables his mom had prepared. Then, he noticed that something was missing.

"Where's dad and his spot at the table?"

"He's in the workshop. I already gave him his food."

"Why? What's wrong?"

"There's a rumor going around. People think the Torans are going to attack us. Your dad has to make some swords for the armies today," said Leena. She then walked towards the table and sat. "Have some vegetables. It'll help you grow strong," she said as she gave her son some spinach from the table.

Note: I'm sorry if this isn't very good. It's my first time but I'll try to get better.