Unforeseen Beginnings
by Alexandra Sempie

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On a small, uneventful island, high atop a vast mountain, sits the Sugilite Warrior Academy. Here, youth hoping to become fierce and powerful Warriors, sworn to protect the islands from thieves, bandits, and others who seek to cause havoc, are rigorously trained under the iron fists of the Academy's Masters. Students vow themselves into servitude towards their fellow humans, sworn to protect and perform their duties selflessly and courageously against any who would attempt to disrupt the peace of the islands. But what happens when Warriors decide that their magnificent skill set is better used for their own personal gain, no matter the cost? On a stormy night, when most are tucked away safe in their beds, two unlikely friends, Oliver and Cashew, discover an abandoned infant outside the doors of the Sugilite Warrior Academy. With quick thinking, the child is swiftly taken to the village below, but not before Oliver bestows her with the name 'Asha'. Raised in the village orphanage, Asha grew wondering about her heritage before she was abandoned. Blessed with stunning violet coloured eyes and rich purple hair, the child grew to catch the attention of everyone around her. One fateful day, Asha is invited back to the Sugilite Warrior Academy to witness a celebration event that usually signifies pride and happiness, but this time, the event turns disastrous, casting the once peaceful islands into danger. Only the actions of this mysterious child can set things right as she is quickly taken into the school and trained as a Warrior herself. With the help of her two finders all those years ago and the Academy's scullery maid, Asha is quickly trained to manipulate and perfect her abilities in the hopes of restoring order and peace to the now endangered islands. All seems to be going to plan for many years, until one day, a mysterious women with an even more mysterious plan come knocking on the doors of the Sugilite Warrior Academy looking for the young Warrior. Will Asha accept her fate and continue to protect the islands from the dangers they face or will she risk everything to see what the mysterious woman has to offer. With little to no time, Asha has a choice to quickly make... A captivating and thrilling fantasy adventure, Unforeseen Beginnings is the first installment of the Sugilite Warrior Series.

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As a former journalist, Alexandra Sempie has been published in numerous media outlets across Ontario, such as Ignite News and Today’s Bride Magazine. She is a counsellor, social service worker, and longtime activist. When she isn’t writing, she can be found reading, sewing, or off on another adventure.

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Alexandra Sempie