The Prodigy

Eleven-year-old Barton has never been accepted in the artists' commune at the fringe of the Empire. He's not gifted at painting or sculpture, after all-the only aptitude he seems to possess is magical ability. Unfortunately, nobody wants to help him develop his gift. Worse, his sister's gift for magic is so insignificant she's practically stunted-a shameful condition that condemns one to the most menial existence. Barton realizes his future lies beyond the huts of… (more)

Eleven-year-old Barton has never been accepted in the artists' commune at the fringe of the Empire. He's not gifted at painting or sculpture, after all-the only aptitude he seems to possess is magical ability. Unfortunately, nobody wants to help him develop his gift. Worse, his sister's gift for magic is so insignificant she's practically stunted-a shameful condition that condemns one to the most menial existence. Barton realizes his future lies beyond the huts of the commune. Will a foreigner that appears to be a walking dead man be the key to it all?