Jade Moon (Celestial War Book 1) by Julia Richards

defensive position that I did last time.
    She squinted at me suspiciously, lips pressed so hard together they were white. “I thought Martin would be back here by now. He said you were here with his permission.” She looked around for Mr. Silver and didn’t seem particularly pleased that I was alone. “You best be on good behavior or I will see you suspended again.” Then she spun on her low heels and stalked away leaving me in a ridiculous crouch, heart banging in my chest.
    I sat down and, after making sure I was alone, pulled out Mr. Silver’s book to read while I waited. Flipping forward a few pages, I read on, starting in the middle of the section.
    This is why balance must be maintained. It is the duty of the Gnomon, the keepers of knowledge, to ensure that neither the Solaris nor the Lunates gain inordinate power. Though the Gnomon are neutral, they will often work closely with this Solaris and Lunates that support the goal of harmony. Throughout history, small groups of Solaris or Lunates have broken away from the larger group and attempted to seize power for themselves.
    For example, ancient Roman Emperor Aurelian created his own cult called Sol Invictus, or Unconquered Sun. This cult almost plunged all of Europe into a generation of drought and ruin. Likewise, Madonna Oriente, a Lunate in twelfth century Milan, made a power grab for her faction. Though she had good intentions, her machinations could have had dire consequences. Fortunately the Gnomon stopped her before any damage was done.
    These kinds of imbalance have happened time and time again. However, we are currently enjoying one of the longest quiescent periods in human history. After the Triton Peace Accord, there has been no over hostility between the two groups. Alliances have even formed between certain segments of the two sides as they appreciate the necessity of working together.
    That said, the historical tension between the Solaris and Lunates has not been entirely eased and there remain those on each side dedicated to gaining ascendance.
    Got it, balance matters. I flipped forward to a section titled, “Relics of Power.” Sounded promising.
    Each of the two faction has a series of relics associated with their seats of power. The power inherent in the universe, light and dark Anima, is focused through these ancient artifacts that convey power upon the proper user. Sadly, most of these relics have been lost to the ravages of time.
    It is important to note that, technically, the objects themselves are not magical.
    I looked up from the book. Magical? Oh boy.
    Anima, the two forces that are inherent in the universe, flow in what are often called ley lines. Most ancient holy places dedicated to the Solaris and Lunate gods were located in places that have internet power associated with them. Copan, the pyramids of Cheops, Tenochtitlan, Stonehenge, all great ancient cities and temples are located at powerful convergences on natural Anima.
    Because it is so concentrated, certain objects regularly used in rituals within these locations often become imbued with this power. Though clearly not true for all ancient objects, those that were used to tap into the Anima, still have the ability to focus this power. A magical residue of sorts.
    While these important relics can convey supernatural abilities, they are rarely used in the modern world. The objects themselves have often been drained of their potential. Likewise, the Solaris and Lunate followers appear to have lost the ability to properly utilize these focus objects.
    Many argue that this reduced ability to utilize the magical properties of these relics is the true reason the recent peace had lasted so long. Without the ability to access the extreme power stored within these relics, neither side can ever hope to gain genuine supremacy over the other, forcing them to accept the terms of the Triton Peace Accord.
    Whoa, that sounded very cool. Plus it made me wonder about the Lunates that dragged Mom