Essence is the foundational building block of the universe . Throughout history , those who were aware of it have sought new and wondrous ways to manipulate it . They have gone by many names and traditions , but today they are known as Magi .
C
onnor watched the cityscape of Philadelphia blur into suburbs , and eventually , open into fields . His mom ’ s classic rock station blared while the increasingly dull scenery battered against his simmering excitement . Hay bale . Hay bale . Cow . Two cows . Bale of Hay . The end of summer air warmed his face , even as he wrinkled his nose against the myriad of pungent smells the farmlands brought . He squirmed in