Even with the short chapter format you’ve got, that first line made me fear you were going into a long info-dump in the guise of a history lesson. Good thing Vara didn’t go for it. The aside to Sedgewick’s lost family doesn’t add much, since we can already infer plenty of what happened to this formerly renowned scholar if he’s living in a swamp.
I was really surprised to read that, at least for a time, Vara actually did go to school. My impression of her is that she’s quite young and has lived alone for some time (years?) already. That doesn’t leave much opportunity for school.
When you do get into the history of the setting I lost my suspension of disbelief. First, this is a fantasy setting, with – as far as I can see – limited technology and except for one bloodline no magic at all. One tyrant governing a planet spanning empire is a little unlikely in that regard, though not impossible, so I’m willing to grant you that.
But then you get to the following:
“The exiled people, with the power of ten men, easily defeated Dig’s ruler and set up a new monarchy”
No, sorry, but no, even with the power of ten men some islanders can’t easily defeat an empire spanning the whole world. It doesn’t matter they bred an army over a number of generations, it wouldn’t be enough. Any scholar worth his salt would know this and dismiss the account as a foolish legend.
I’m also not fond of the last part of the chapter. You’re rounding up clichés fast, the latest with Vara being a princess. I’m assuming here that she’ll also be the only hope to overthrow the evil Bakra. One girl, a crazy old man, and a lizard. Be careful with this.
