One is Come

By C. H. MacLean

Love dragons and magic?

"C H MacLean has written a supremely magical story ideal for the younger YA reader, and targeted towards those who love books such as `Harry Potter' or `Eragon' etc." - Lucinda, Amazon review

This spellbinding young adult fantasy series will plunge you into a world where fantasy and reality collide.

One is Come is the first installment in a YA fantasy saga full of hidden plot twists and turns. The centuries-old prophecy of the One is being fulfilled, and the ancient dragon clans are coming out of hiding to remake the world. The king of the magic users will stop at nothing to be sure the prophecy is fulfilled the right way--with his oppressive government ruling. As they struggle for power, Haylwen (14) and her brother Cadarn (16) just happen to be caught dead center.

How can you save the world when you don’t know it needs saving?

In this first book, meet fourteen-year-old Haylwen Rightad. She doesn’t think “crazy” runs in her family, but she might be wrong. Fish seem to listen when she talks. She finds herself wearing jewelry she can’t remember putting on. And then there was the explosion at school...and her ex-principal trying to kidnap her...and her brother? Don’t even ask. All she wants is to be an ordinary teenager. Live a normal life. Go to school, make friends, and not have to move a zillion times. Oh, and getting the bullies off her back? That’d be nice, too.

What Haylwen doesn’t know is WHY all this crazy stuff is happening to her. But she’s about to find out. The bad news? Things aren’t going to be “normal” any time soon!

With a mysterious prophecy, magical secrets and more than a few dragons, ONE IS COME is the first book in the adventures of siblings Haylwen and Cadarn as they come to discover they have powers they never dreamt of — and a destiny only they can fulfill.

It’s not easy to be “normal” when nothing is at it seems, and no one is who they appear to be.

"C.H. MacLean's One is Come is an engaging and often riveting fantasy novel that mixes the modern with magic.... The book is a page-turner and one that is sure to please both young adults and adults. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy read. MacLean doesn't disappoint." - 5-star review Readers' Favorite

Overcome reality - have some fun - grab your copy today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: C. H. MacLean
• Release date: Feb 22, 2014
• ISBN: 9781941193013

C. H. MacLean

To young C. H. MacLean, books were everything: mind-food, friends, and fun. They gave the shy middle child’s life color and energy. Amazingly, not everyone saw them that way. Seeing a laundry hamper full of books approach her, the librarian scolded C. H. for trying to check them all out. “You'll never read that many before they expire!” C. H. was surprised, having shown great restraint only by keeping a list of books to check out next time. Thoroughly abashed, C. H. waited three whole days after finishing that lot before going back for more.With an internal world more vivid than the real one, C. H. was chastised for reading in the library instead of going to class. “Neurotic, needs medical help,” the teacher diagnosed. C. H.'s father, a psychologist, just laughed when he heard. “She's just upset because those books are more challenging than her class.” C. H. realized making up stories was just as fun as reading, and harder to get caught doing. So for a while, C. H. crafted stories and characters out of wisps and trinkets, with every toy growing an elaborate personality.But toys were not mature, and stories weren't respectable for a family of doctors. So C. H. grew up and learned to read serious books and study hard, shelving foolish fantasies for serious work.Years passed in a black and white blur. Then, unpredictably falling in love all the way to a magical marriage rattled C. H.'s orderly world. A crazy idea slipped in a resulting crack and wouldn't leave. “Write the book you want to read,” it said. “Write? As in, a fantasy novel? But I'm not creative,” C. H. protested. The idea, and C. H.'s spouse, rolled their eyes.So one day, C. H. started writing. Just to try it, not that it would go anywhere. Big mistake. Decades of pent-up passion started pouring out, making a mess of an orderly life. It only got worse. Soon, stories popped up everywhere- in dreams, while exercising, or out of spite, in the middle of a work meeting. “But it's not important work,” C. H. pleaded weakly. “They are not food, or friends, or...” But it was too late. C. H. had re-discovered that, like books, life should be fun too. Now, writing is a compulsion, and a calling.C. H. lives in a Pacific Northwest forest with five cats, two kids, one spouse, and absolutely no dragons or elves, faeries, or demons... that are willing to be named, at least.***Overcome Reality. Invigorate Dreams.***

Book preview

Oath of Love

Abrennin stood thirteen paces from a block of stone the size of a truck and weighing ten times as much. He sighed internally. A crude demonstration, but young students were invariably impressed. Looking around the room, his eye lingered on the one female face, the bright star in a twilight sky. While dangerous for Crystyn to be here, he really couldn't keep her away. Besides, how he felt around her made it easy to use powerful magic. Speaking of which, he thought. He closed his eyes and centered himself, focusing intently. Dismissing the distracting energy from the figure hidden in the corner of the room, he pulled from his internal energy. He opened his eyes, murmured and swirled his hands, forming a great ball of fire. With a shout, he thrust one hand out. The ball of fire rocketed from him to strike the stone target. The enormous block wobbled, but did not fall. Before it could settle, Abrennin called his energy and shot a spout of water at the block, catching it at just the right moment in its wobble to send it toppling. The block crashed, filling the hall with echoes. Abrennin paused to take a breath. Totally focused, he clapped his hands together as he stomped his right foot with a yell. A wave of energy poured down his leg and rippled the floor, making the cement seem as fluid as water. The waves of cement spread, hitting the block, rocking it like a boat on rough seas. Abrennin twisted his foot and barked, setting a second pattern of waves rippling through the cement. These lined up to form a rapidly rising wave that caught the far edge of the block, flipping it back upright. The stone wobbled for a moment, grumbling in noisy crunching as it settled. Then it was still, and the hall was completely silent once more.

A low whistle broke the silence. An instant later raucous applause and hoots completely destroyed it. Turning to catch Crystyn's smile, Abrennin blushed slightly. She was smiling at him but not because of the demonstration. They were the only two in the room for a moment, lost in each other's eyes. The noise quieted down, and the moment was gone.

Before Abrennin could open his mouth to discuss the demonstration, the doors burst open and armed soldiers dressed in the royal black and silver poured in. A raid! Abrennin saw a bubble go up around the whole building, no time to do anything. Shouted commands echoed through the hall, and Abrennin's skin tingled with the gathered energy. A few young men tried to resist and were trapped in prison bubbles, either before or after being beaten into submission. Luckily, none of his students had brought a weapon. Abrennin fumed. What were those soldiers doing with guns anyway?

Crystyn interrupted his thoughts by running up and tugging at his arm, trying to lead him away. You must portal out of here! They've seen me, but you could get away!

He shook his head. They put a bubble up. Besides, I should leave you? he challenged.

I can take care of myself, she shot back.

Oh, I know, but then we will be apart, he said softly.

She had no answer, so they stood there, hand in hand. She is so beautiful, Abrennin thought, watching her flashing eyes stop two of the approaching soldiers in their tracks. A stray thought noticed the figure in the corner was gone.

Spotting them, the leader of the troops rushed over. You will come with us, he ordered. Much more powerful in magic than the two soldiers, he held a ball of energy, ready to strike.

Crystyn started to say something and the troop leader flinched, flicking the ball of energy at her. Crystyn hummed, but Abrennin whirled into a spin kick, knocking the energy harmlessly away. The two soldiers flinched, opened fire, spraying a hail of bullets.

The bullets paused an arm's length away from Crystyn and Abrennin, then flew back to land at the soldier's feet in a neat line. See, Crystyn said to Abrennin, I can take care of myself.

The troop leader gathered his energy again and was joined by several other soldiers, also gathering energy.

Stop this foolishness! Crystyn commanded. We're coming.

They were hustled into the back of a black car with tinted windows, which sped off on its own. Within a short time, Abrennin realized where they were going. His heart sank, and he reached over to hold Crystyn's hand. Her cold grip in return trembled, telling him she already knew their destination.

Armed guards dragged them out of the car, through the front door of the castle and marched through a portal into to the throne room. The king sat on the throne, his wife behind him and the Chairman of the Conclave of Controllers to his right. Even at this hour, they were surrounded by a small crowd of attendants and guards. Abrennin took a furtive look around at the other people in the large room. There are people here, even now, he thought, with nothing better to do than wait for a chance to suck up to royalty. He saw the prince in the center of such a group, some of the tough-looking boys young enough that they couldn't even be using magic. But everyone in the group was glaring at them, fueled by the disgust on the prince's face. And I used to believe we could be friends, Abrennin thought. I certainly learned that lesson.

The king clapped his hands, sending bits of fire, water, and rock exploding outward to sprinkle on the floor. At the same time, his wife must have hummed, because Abrennin found himself unable to move. Their armed escort backed away.

You are charged with treason to the crown! The king rose as he spoke. You were caught conspiring with known members of those traitorous Rogues, unlawfully teaching them magic. Is this the thanks we get for how well we have treated you and your family? Your parents must be rolling in their graves. Have you no shame?

Crystyn tried to step forward but apparently was also in a suppressive bubble like his. She shot the king and his wife a startled look.

We will talk with you in a moment; hold your tongue, the king said, not even taking his eyes from Abrennin.

Yes, I deny being a traitor, Abrennin said, his calm voice echoing in the large chamber. I have taken no action against the crown.

The Chairman of the Conclave spoke, soft as a snake's slither. Oh, but you have. You know the laws are the extension of the crown, and you were deliberately breaking Conclave directive A-43, sections B1 and B2. Or do you deny you were teaching magic without a permit and using magic in unauthorized areas?

I am a fully licensed magic tutor, Abrennin said. More than that, a teacher is who I am, whether here in the palace or back in the humble warehouses of the common people. Isn't it better we teach our people...?

The king cut him off. They are our people, the responsibility of the king and Conclave, not yours. And no, it is not better to teach them, when they could cause mayhem, like those unprovoked attacks of the Rogues that we are forced to defend ourselves against. We must strictly limit and control such dangerous forces for the good of all. Which is why we have laws!

Abrennin tried to respond but was interrupted by the king.

Having caught a gesture from the snake-voiced man, the king said, I have heard enough. He pointed a finger at Abrennin. You are guilty of treason. Because of the seriousness of the crime, I am forced to take immediate action. He opened his hand as he called, Scepter of Kings, come to the king! With his command still echoing, a silver rod, as long as his arm, thick as his thumb appeared in front of him. Flared slightly at the bottom, the rod's top expanded to a rounded, flat knob with a hole in the middle and a short crossbar just under the knob. The king smirked, and out of the corner of his eye, Abrennin saw the same smirk copied on the prince's face. A low murmur swept through the crowd.

Something clicked into place for Abrennin. The crowd around the king was much too large to have gathered for no reason or even for a routine raid. He scanned the people just around the king. The snake-voiced Chairman of the Conclave was always there, but every member he knew of the Conclave of Controllers stood there too! It was a set-up! He skipped who could have betrayed him as he tried to imagine why. Could it just be my powers are so strong they considered me a possible challenger to the crown? He had told the prince a million times, before and after they were friends, he didn't envy the burden of rule. In all his duels, he made it clear he wanted nothing to do with power or rank. Maybe it was because he had caught the attention of the dragons? The ancient books he had found were proof enough that they did exist, no matter how much people said otherwise. More importantly, the energy of the mysterious figures following him could not be explained in any other way. Ever since he began teaching outside of the castle, one had always been hiding somewhere nearby.

The king's next statement ripped Abrennin's racing thoughts to a dead stop. The punishment for treason is death. Abrennin was only vaguely aware of the Chairman of the Conclave's face slash into a smile. That is why they have the whole Conclave here, a coldly calm part of his brain said. Execution order and ratification with no wait. My dearest Crystyn, I am so sorry.

Crystyn wailed, and fell to her knees. No! I love him, please, have mercy, if you kill him I would die! Please, please, I will do anything!

Sorrow, and then a crafty look, flitted across the king's wife's face as she fiddled with one of her rings. Before the king could recover from his own reaction to the outburst, she plucked at his sleeve. They whispered for a moment, then motioned for the snake-voiced man to join them. As he listened, the snake-voiced man set his face and his lips thinned until they completely disappeared. After a good deal of whispering, he nodded once, and the group broke.

I have decided I could spare your life, the king stated, on one condition. His eyes were fire and ice. You both must swear never to teach—in any way, through word or action—another in the use of magic.

The king leaned forward, apparently talking to Abrennin, but clearly speaking loud enough for the crowd to hear. We are not so merciful, and know this is worse than death for you. Each mu among us uses magic in his own way, and no-mus know nothing of magic, so you will not be able to even speak of magic when anyone else is around. You will have the knowledge, but will never be able to use it, and your power will quickly fade with disuse. In a short time you will be forced to live your days as a cripple, only the memory of power to torment you. What's more, with your power gone, your sons will not inherit magic. They will be worthless no-mus. Instead of redeeming your family's name, you have completely destroyed it. Forever.

The snake-voiced man looked at Abrennin's shocked face and sneered. Oh, it looks as though you might choose death. If you had any courage you would!

Crystyn spoke. I would gladly give up magic to be with the man I love. She looked at Abrennin, tears pouring down her face. But if you would choose death over this life as a nameless cripple, never to do that work you love, I would understand.

Abrennin smiled, a soft smile, and held her with his eyes. Once again, they were the only two in the room. I never knew my family; their name means little to me. I love teaching more than life, it is true. But I love you so much more than even that. He broke his gaze, and calmly looked the king in the eye. I will swear.

The king touched the Scepter of Kings to Abrennin's head as he took the Oath. At the last word, a wave of magic poured from him like an oil spill, washing over the crowd. Some gagged, and some almost fell where they stood. Crystyn took her Oath, and a few did fall.

You sicken us, the king said. Leave this place and never return.

Crystyn and Abrennin, suddenly freed of the energy bubble that held them, staggered into each other. They helped each other gain their balance, but kept hold of each other's hand once they were stable. Abrennin swirled one hand and then started choking and gagging. Crystyn looked shocked for a moment, then her face fell. A moment later, the crowd also realized what had happened. Snickers and murmurs of pity rippled through the crowd.

They are nothing, someone whispered in disgust. As worthless as a no-mu. The echo of no-mu skipped among the crowd.

Abrennin held Crystyn's hand tightly, still having trouble breathing. She led him to the back of the room, the crowd shrinking away from them as if they had some contagious disease. Crystyn pulled on one of the large doors, struggling for a moment. The hinges finally gave with a high-pitched shriek in surprise, followed by a dull groaning as Abrennin helped pull. They barely cleared the doorway before the doors slammed shut behind them. They barely had time to grab each other's hand before a portal opened beneath them, eating them both in one bite.

* * *

The king, holding the Scepter, opened multiple portals in the center of the large room. Most took the hint and the throne room quickly emptied. A few of the crowd around the throne tried to speak to the king, his wife, or Chairman of the Conclave, but received only coldness and left in a hurry. After a moment, only the three remained.

The snake-voiced Chairman glared at the spot where Abrennin had been standing. I can't believe you talked me into that.

Ignoring the king's look, his wife went to stand close to the Chairman, placing her hand on his arm. I know we agreed to kill him, but I didn't realize how much Crystyn felt for him. Besides, he would have been a martyr, and this really is torture for them.

That is true, my dear, and for all he defied the Conclave, he deserves torture, the man replied. And we can always kill him later...

The man tailed off as a shadow separated itself from the corner of the room, expanding to become a figure dressed in a hooded black robe. The king jumped to his feet as the figure slid effortlessly across the room to stand near the three. But why would you want to, said the figure, pulling back the hood to reveal a woman with sunshine blond hair. She accepted the king's kiss on her cheek warmly, and the nod from his wife with a smile. Thank you for showing mercy, she said, looking at each of them in turn. I cannot understand why you hurt and kill each other.

The Chairman glared at her. We manage our own in our own way.

She sighed. Yes, of course. She looked at the far doors. He comes from powerful blood. Even if he could never be the One now, perhaps his offspring...

The king's wife shook her head. They are powerless cripples now, and any children they might have will be no-mus. You will need to look somewhere else to fulfill your prophecy.

The time of prophecy is near. I can feel it. The woman's face hardened and she shook her head. We have worked and planned for a very long time. It would be a shame to have you stop heeding my advice now, just out of fear of losing control of the masses. She lifted one finger and traced a pattern while pointing at the floor. Rivers of flame burst into being on the floor all around them, If you have cold feet, I can help.

The snake voiced-man sneered, The Conclave will watch them, and is not afraid of doing what is necessary. He glared at the king, finally gesturing impatiently at the fire. The king finally got the hint and muttered something with a twist of the Scepter. The fire winked out. You wanted to just let him go, but we have the power and freedom to torture or kill whoever we wish.

The blond woman ducked her head and held up her hands. As you say, she replied. As the Conclave wills. I am powerless to intervene. She bowed deep enough to be extremely respectful, or perhaps sarcastic. With that, she leaped from the floor, jumping impossibly high, her robe fluttering like a bird's wings. She tucked into a roll and vanished in an echoing explosion of fire.

Chapter 1

The Principal

Haylwen Rightad glared at the principal from beneath her eyebrows. Mr. Johansen wasn’t even looking at her, he was so into lecturing her. Finally, he glanced at her, and Haylwen’s eyes dropped to her shoes. Or tried to. She knew she was short and overweight, but her feet didn’t even come close to reaching the ground and the back of her chair was so far back, her stomach pooched out even more than usual. Stupid chair. She half- listened to Mr. Johansen drone on. How long have I been stuck here, anyway?

So, principal Stephan Johansen said, we are expected to believe you, and not the four witnesses who dispute your claim? His pacing took him back to loom over her. He paused to lean in, his flowing sandy-blond hair and blue eyes swooping in beyond personal space limits. He could use a breath mint too. And… you have a better explanation of how the library almost burned down? I suppose the wall just started on fire by itself? His high-pitched voice only accented his sarcasm. He tried to catch her eyes, but they fled back to find her shoes. After waiting long enough to ensure she wasn’t going to say anything, he stood upright. So, I am left with a difficult decision. What am I going to do with you, to ensure the safety of this school and all the students, teachers, and staff who come here to learn? What punishment would be sufficient?

Haylwen’s anger twisted into fear and then back. Go ahead, she thought. Nothing could be worse than being forced to sit here and listen to you. Who cares if I’m innocent? When she was first dragged into the principal’s office, she had hoped for a brief moment that Kim would be here too. If I had even one friend to back me up, she thought, I might have gotten out of this. But now…

Just as Mr. Johansen started to talk again, there was a single knock at the door, interrupting him.

I told you I was not to be disturbed! he snapped.

The door opened anyway.

Yes, your assistant told me the same thing. Haylwen watched her father stroll in, closing the door on the protesting woman behind him. Her father looked around the large office, sneaking a

Reviews for One is Come

[rubyandthetwins · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

For fourteen-year-old Haylwen Rightad life is harsh. Beyond harsh, if truth be told. First of all, there's her annoying sixteen-year-old brother Cadarn, who delights in endlessly teasing her. Then there are her parents, who apparently have completely forgotten just how unfair life can be when you are always the new kid in school. In her entire life, Haylwen can't ever remember a time when she has stayed in one place long enough to make even one friend, so she doesn't understand why she's currently sitting in Principal Johansen's office being disciplined for something she didn't do.Haylwen doesn't care who actually blew up the wall of the school library, all she knows is that it wasn't her fault. However, with the principal threatening suspension, Haylwen's sure of one thing: if the principal suspends her, her parents will have to move again. And Haylwen will miss another chance to finally make some real friends.Her parents, forced to keep their own magical past silent, are shocked to learn that their daughter is indeed a magic user. That's just not possible; especially when she tested negative. Twice! Desperate to hide Haylwen from the King of magic users, they flee, but their efforts ultimately put them all in mortal danger.Haylwen's parents don't know anything about the prophecy of 'The One'; or that the only one who doesn't suspect that Haylwen is an extremely powerful magic user is Haylwen herself. As the King schemes with the dragon clans to remake the world, and the dragon clans quietly set their own ulterior motives in motion, the time of 'The One' draws near. And as Haylwen struggles with her feelings of loneliness and unworthiness due to her inability to make a friend, little does she realize that the fate of the entire world rests on her choices. Will she learn about her magic and true friendship in time to save her life and hopefully the rest of the world?Despite being seriously delayed in my reading, and having to postpone my review of Two Empty Thrones for about a month - I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I thought that the characters were well-developed and sympathetic, and the story is fast-paced and engaging. I also appreciated that there was a little bit of a back story provided about Abrennin and Crystyn Rightad; and their secretive magical pasts. I found these characters extremely likeable and completely believable as people.In my opinion, the story flowed along easily and naturally - fire-breathing dragons, magical portals and ancient prophecies didn't seem out of place at all within the plot. One is Come by C. H. MacLean was an intriguing start to a new series. I give this book an A+! and am looking forward to starting the next book in the series: Two Empty Thrones.

[cheriemccurry-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a great story of magic and mystery! It is the story of a family caught up in prophecy and the need to survive. Haylwen and Cadarn are two typical teenagers, that unfortunately, have never stayed in one place long enough to make friends. Suddenly, their lives are turned upside down when strange things start happening. They learn to rely on each other and trust that their parents mean the best for them, given the circumstances. This story involves wizards, dragons, prophecies, and kingdoms in turmoil! And the setting takes place in a modern day world like ours. It is a story that I would recommend to anyone who needs a little fantasy and adventure in their lives! I am really looking forward to the next book in this series! A definite must read!

[mshooker · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am looking forward to the next one in the series. [One is Come] by [C.H. MacLean] is a wonderful mix of magic, adventure and lore. The characters suffer from the typical teenage angst that is common everywhere and similar growing pains. The difference is the issue of puberty brings with it a secret that normal kids don't deal with.The only people around the kids that can understand are their parents who have taken an oath not to speak of the magic. The conflicting powers fighting for control over the kids and their gift leads to more intrigue. I am still not sure who is good and who is bad, or even if there is a good or bad. Any book that has magic and dragons is always a good bet.