In the heart of the jungle-bound village of Tuitoma, young Ser Sarrafin shoulders the toil of survival one ker-chunk of his hoe at a time. In Chapter 1: Demesne, we meet Ser—a quiet, steadfast farmer nicknamed “Tomasi” for his ability to fade into the background—who has built a life out of hard earth, blistered hands, and unshakable perseverance. As Tuitoma grows from tents to adobe, Ser’s work feeds the village, even as his own magick remains dormant in a world where others wield the elements with ease.

Through the heat and hardship, Ser’s bond with his mischievous friends—Viti, Balu, and Lavu—and the inventive young Rolen brings flickers of humor, heart, and hope. But the harmony of their everyday lives is shaken when unsettling signs begin to wash ashore from upriver: remnants of travelers, whispers of northern flames, and strangers seeking refuge. As the village elders prepare for change, Ser is left to confront what it means to belong, to endure, and to prepare for the trouble that always follows the river.

Demesne is a grounded and evocative opening to a tale of resilience, elemental power, and quiet rebellion. With rich detail and deep emotional undercurrents, this chapter sows the seeds of a larger journey—a coming-of-age forged not just by magick, but by purpose, grit, and the refusal to be overlooked.