Exiles of the Holy Ascension

In Brightholme, a nation founded on the principles of harmony, the Godknight stands as an unbreakable shield, a nearly all-powerful guardian who enforces one sacred rule: live in peace. Those who break this rule are exiled, sent down the treacherous Old Mother River, a fate that has become a cornerstone of Brightholme's culture, a warning, and an enigma wrapped in lore. But Brightholme's tranquility is built on a lie. The Godknight is dying, his powers waning, his existence a fragile thread about to snap. A mysterious faction known as the Order of the Holy Ascension has learned of this vulnerability. Guided by shadowy purpose, they choose this moment to unleash a calculated invasion. In the midst of the chaos, a group of survivors emerges. Kal, a tempestuous farmboy, seething with an anger as fertile as the land he tills. Ayla, a meek and humble young witch, shunned for her flaming red hair and harboring a secret power. Lilly, the high elder's daughter, who bears the weight of her royal lineage while craving the freedom it denies. Windham, a man torn between passion and treason and harboring a secret that could shatter the group. And Jaina, the embodiment of Brightholme's holy rule, driven only by her unyielding conviction. They are thrust into a crumbling world where old rules are broken and trust is a rare commodity. Betrayals, fears, and the fight for survival lead them on a path that hints at a destiny beyond the borders of their homeland. Branded and hunted as exiles of the Holy Ascension, can they find the courage to restore hope to their people? Or will their mistakes and shortcomings lead their people into ruin and despair? -- The Ascension is a character driven tale with some classical fantasy elements mixed with some not so classical stuff. Basically, I’m not holding myself to any rules, except for where the story begins.  It’s planned as an ongoing series, though with clear arcs and endings. Experimenting with what days are best to publish, but essentially will be publishing 2 chapters per week.