Daughter of the Stars

By Brynna Campbell

Twelve gods and twelve races hang in the balance as the Ursa Major, demigod and leader of the werebear people, seizes control, throwing a world into disarray.

Psi is just six years away from earning freedom from her ward when she receives devastating news: she's being forced to marry a man she finds repulsive. In her panic, she uses magic, summoning a glowing stone that gives her the power to escape.

Aided by Arcos, her anxious werebear boyfriend, Psi is thrust into a perilous wilderness where only her wits and her newfound power can save her. Little does she know that the stone she's summoned contains the power of a god and the wrath of the Ursa himself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brynna Campbell
• Release date: Apr 11, 2016
• ISBN: 9781634800020

Book preview

PROLOGUE

The Hall of the Thirteen was the place between realms, a vast network of rooms and bridges to many places. It was a white abyss without a god present to shape it. But a lone figure appeared, and then it was a night forest, mangroves surrounding the space, the full moon staring down at a bonfire in the center of a clearing. Fireflies darted erratically around the trees, the only sign that something was not right. Ophiucus tugged on his shimmering turquoise coat and tried to compose himself. It would do no good to display his agitation to the other gods when they arrived.

As suddenly as the forest was there, it was gone, shifted into a tavern.

I’m here first! Sagittarius blinked into the realm. His black hair glinted in the candlelight. And then the room became a nightmare of feathers and outrageous pillows as Gemini came in, splitting herself into two dark-skinned ladies with long, braided hair. You are not, Saj. Get out of here!

All right, no fighting. Libra appeared and the room became a menagerie. Monkeybirds, black, furry creatures with a beak and four limbs chirped on branches. Field dogs chased each other around the room, yipping wildly and chewing on each other's large ears. A spotted ferret crawled onto Libra's shoulder and fell asleep under her brown tresses.

Enough of this, children. Pisces removed his regal, purple cape and set it down on what was now a clean marble table, surrounded by white columns. His tall frame cast a shadow over the rest of the gods. I won’t have any of this nonsense.

Oh, come on! The remaining eight gods winked into the realm, arguing and changing the room until it became a mess of tangled realities overlapping on one another, continuing to shift. The only thing left of Ophiucus’ design was a branch that was now growing on a statue of a lion.

Ophiucus cleared his throat. I summoned you here because –

Hey, can we talk about how someone has told the mortals that if they summon me, I will give them free cheese? Because it’s not funny, and it’s taking up a lot of my time. Taurus fumbled with his glasses.

Leo punched Virgo in the shoulder. Virgo scratched his hairless head and shrugged, stifling a laugh.

Ophiucus tried again. This is important, guys. This could have huge –

Man, I am exhausted. I’ve been out flying with my sea eagles all day. Aquarius put an arm around Libra. She shoved him away.

I’m with someone, ‘man.’ Libra looked over at Leo, who raised one of his thick eyebrows and winked.

Ophiucus let out a reptilian roar and the room shifted back to the forest at night, the fireflies now circling everyone’s heads as they froze. If you won’t hear me, at least hear this. We are in danger. All of us are in danger. We have to stop wasting our time on these petty disagreements. It’s about… Nagamath.

Libra plucked a mangrove leaf that had fallen into her hair up and blew it into the air, where it became a fruit-eating bat that circled the forest. Ophi, we don’t care about who the mortals elect as their Ursa Major.

Ophiucus waved her off. You don’t understand. If the power of the Ursa Major falls into the hands of a killer –

Sagittarius stepped forward onto a small piece of wooden floor that appeared under his feet. Don’t talk that way. We created the Ursa Major as our equal. We made a promise that whichever mortal controls the power will get our full trust.

Saj, don’t be such a sycophant. Cancer rolled his eyes and sat, a chair made of coral materializing beneath him. We all heard about how you let the Ursa use your power.

Ophiucus’ eyes widened. What?

Sagittarius grinned and handed Ophiucus a mug of frothy ale. "Oh, you didn’t hear? Nagamath asked me for help today. He said he needed some extra power to fix something, and he picked me."

Ophiucus’ heart started beating rapidly. It was too late. He knew too much. And there was no time. Blinking back tears, he released the room into its former chaos. He would need a diversion. Fortunately, he knew just how to start one.

Gemini, you told me you were going to host a mortal party up here? The room erupted in shouting, leaving Ophiucus time to slip away from the fray unnoticed.

CHAPTER ONE

26 Years Later

A breeze whispered through the reeds around Halfwing Pond as the hot sun blazed down on Wera Farm. Psi, shaded from the heat by her wide-brimmed sable hat, waded through the knee-high water, scattering crumbs for the flash minnows living amongst the plants. She smiled as the small fish crowded around her ankles.

Birds scattered as Psi heard a low rumble from beyond the swamp grass. Snapping off a thick reed, Psi readied herself. She listened for the shuffle she knew was coming. Sure enough, it came from her right. She spun around, scanning the brush.

Suddenly she was knocked over by a large mass of fur and claws that sprung from her left. It was too late to readjust herself, and she went bowling over into the water.

A chuffing sound from above her slowly turned into a laugh as Arcos shifted from his bear form into his human one.

How did you do that? she asked.

Arcos grinned, his short, auburn hair sticking out in several directions. I threw a rock.

Smart. Psi shook herself, water dripping from her long, dark golden braids. Arcos pulled her out of the water. She smiled at him. His amused eyes were the color of the forest beyond the farm, brown as the tree trunks with flecks of green leaves scattered throughout them. It was easy for Psi to get lost in them.

I’ll get you back. Psi had always been envious of werebears, able to shift from a strong bear form to an agile human one in the blink of an eye. But she bore Arcos no ill will.

You’re cute. Arcos wrapped his arms around her and kissed her softly.

You say that now. I won’t be so cute when I’m throwing you into the water.

Arcos rested his chin on her head. I love you.

I love you, too. Hey, don’t think I’ll forget about trouncing you.

Oh, don’t worry, you will. Psi pulled Arcos out of the water and they sat on the grass, disturbing a basking lizard, who chirped indignantly at them and skittered away. Arcos pulled a loaf of garlicky bread out of his satchel and handed half to Psi.

How do you carry a bag in bear form?

I just do.

Psi took a bite of the soft, buttery bread Arcos had baked that morning and licked her lips. She was an adequate cook, but Arcos’ baking skills were unmatched. So what if you were holding me and turned into a bear? Would I be part of the bear, too?

No, that’s silly.

Why? Psi blew her hair out of her face.

I dunno.

Werebears are weird.

Arcos faked an affronted look. You Librans are weird! You don’t understand me! He pushed her in mock indignation.

Psi giggled and leaned on his shoulder. How’s your boat coming along?

It’s great! I can’t wait for you to see it.

How soon before we can take it down the river?

Arcos narrowed his eyes. That sounds suspiciously like adventuring.

We could just go exploring a little.

Okay, but if I hear any words about adventuring, I’m going home to hibernate.

It’d be fun!

It’d be dangerous. Don’t forget about the glowing frog cave. Psi smiled sheepishly. She had once led Arcos through a cave to find a rare type of bioluminescent frog and they had gotten stuck between two walls of rock. While they had eventually wriggled free, Arcos had never gotten over the incident.

We could still find those frogs! She broke a swamp reed in half and pointed it at Arcos.

We’d get eaten by wolfshades.

Don’t worry, I’d fight them all off.

Oh, okay, thanks. Arcos arched an eyebrow.

I would! Psi waved the reed like it was a weapon. I’d whip them until they went home crying.

Arcos laughed. Well, maybe we’ll go to the Crossriver someday.

We’ll do it the day I’ve finished working off my life debt to Cestus. She was six years away from finishing the 16 years of service she owed Cestus for taking care of her in her youth.

You have a deal.

* * *

The stars always seemed closer from the top of Wera Hill. Psi took a deep breath and let it out, blowing the strands of dusky blond hair away from her face. It would be time for supper soon, and Cestus would be irate if she wasn’t washed up. Six more years and I’m free. As Cestus’s ward, Psi was considered her property by order of the Ursa until she had worked for as many years as her ward had cared for her. She was required to obey Cestus’ every order. But the hill had called to her since the day she was found on it by the farmer and her sheep.

Psi? Where are you?

Psi pretended not to hear Cestus, pulling a blade of grass apart with her fingers.

Psi? Edgar is here to see us!

Psi stood, her stomach sinking. She’d always had a bad feeling about Edgar Morgan, the butcher who occasionally made the month-long trek from his ranch to their farm. He had bulbous fists and a habit of licking his teeth when she spoke to him. But Cestus had always kept a close relationship with him, so Psi had to remain polite. Brushing her skirt off, she dragged herself back to the small house she shared with her guardian.

You’re filthy. Have you been hanging around Arcos again? Cestus was a short but formidable woman. Her hair was still in the frizzy blond braid she had hastily made several days before. She brandished a frying pan at Psi, who ducked out of the way. Cestus had never liked Psi’s good-natured boyfriend, and took every opportunity she could to insult him. As if insults could change my mind.

Arcos wasn’t around today. He was finishing his new boat. Psi’s chest swelled with pride.

I don’t see what he needs a boat for; he’s not going anywhere. She wiped her hands on her dirty apron and slapped a chunk of butter on the pan.

Oh, come on, you love him, Cestus, Psi said delicately, hoping Cestus would stop her tirade.

Cestus glared at her. You’re too good for that boy. He’s a weakling. Trust me, a woman knows. She set three slices of bread on the pan and put the whole thing into the wood stove.

I’m a woman. He seems good to me.

Cestus looked her up and down. You’ve got no instinct for men. You should want a man who will conquer your heart –

Not prance with it. Psi had heard the whole speech a million times. Privately, she thought prancing was a whole lot more fun than conquering, but she would get an earful if she ever voiced the sentiment.

Edgar came in through the door without knocking. Where’s my dinner? I’m starving.

Cestus cursed as the slices of bread caught fire and turned black. She skittered over to Edgar with a plate of grey, boiled duck. Funny, Psi thought, she had never made duck before.

We weren’t expecting you so soon, Mr. Morgan. I didn’t really have time to share the good news with Psi.

Dragon girl doesn’t need the business details. Psi scowled. Her earliest memory was of a great dragon setting her down on a hill. It had smiled at her with a wide set of sharp teeth before turning away and taking off into the clouds. But when she had tried to tell people about it, they had laughed. Dragons don’t exist, little girl. Maybe they were right. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that the memory was real.

Edgar burped and pounded his chest with a fist. Psi wasn’t sure which smelled worse – his breath or his body odor. He shrugged at Cestus. Doesn’t matter. If you’ll just sign here, I’ll be on my way to my lodging for the night.

Psi feigned a yawn. Are you guys discussing business? I’ll let you two get on with it. Psi stood with her plate and started to leave when a meaty hand stopped her.

You’ll leave when I tell you to leave, Miss.

Psi yanked her hand away in shock and anger. Excuse me?

I didn’t say you could leave. He looked suddenly angry.

Psi was taken aback. I can leave whenever I damn well please.

Cestus wrung her hands, torn between giving Edgar a desperate smile and Psi a baleful glare. Psi! You will stop that right now. I didn’t get a chance to tell you, but Edgar has agreed to, well, marry you. Edgar smiled a toothy grin, holding his hands out like a wolfshade waiting for its prey to walk by.

Psi turned angrily to Cestus. What?

Psi, Edgar is a wealthy man. He can give us all the land we could ever want. You’re almost 30 years old. Who else would take you? Besides, he’s a real man.

Arcos is a real man. Psi clutched her fork, shaking in rage.

Cestus hissed at her. Don't speak to me in that tone. You are my property for another six years, and it is my right to do with you as I see fit. Arcos is a good-for-nothing werebear, and you know it.

Edgar smirked. That boy couldn’t kill a snake.

Psi wanted to jam her fork right into the deep scar he had gotten on his arm while breaking a horse, but she stopped herself and instead ran into her room. She slammed the door and sobbed into her pillow. She could hear them negotiating in the dining room. They were negotiating her life away. And she was powerless to stop it.

A wave of sadness and anger washed over her. And she felt a tingling sensation in her limbs and a numb taste in her mouth. Magic. She tried to shake the feeling. It would be dangerous to continue. All Librans were mages by instinct, deadly and uncontrollable. Magic had been banned, and to even think of using it meant being arrested by the Ursa’s Guard.

But Psi no longer cared. She was going to lose everything. She let the anger rise and rise in her until she could contain it no more. Something in her snapped, and she pulled at the rage within herself. A sudden torrent of rain rapped on the rooftop, and lightning flashed outside her open window. She thought of Arcos, waving goodbye. Flash. She thought of Edgar’s predatory smile. Flash. And then she thought of the dragon, leaving her on the hill, never to return. Flash.

The hair on the back of her arms stood up, and suddenly the lightning enveloped her. She screamed in fury as the electricity went through her body.

Outside the room, Cestus listened to the screams and shook her head. She’ll come around. Edgar chuckled and chewed on a piece of flaccid duck.

Back in the room, Psi felt the power flowing into her. She brought her arms together and focused it into her palms. Something was forming in her hands. She didn’t know what it was, but she knew she needed it.

Finally, the lightning released her, and she fell backward onto her bed. Her eyes fluttered open. In her hands was the largest sapphire she had ever seen.

Uh oh. Psi came to her senses. This was bad. Psi remembered the trial that had happened in the village square the summer before, where a man had summoned a flame as part of a traveling circus act. He was sent to the jails in the werebear capitol city of Parictis, never to return. The townspeople considered it a blessing that the Ursa had spared his life.

This was no small fire. This was an enormous gem that glittered with unearthly light. It smelled like the jasmines that grew on Wera Hill. Turning it over in her hands, she noticed a small inscription in silver lettering on the back: For the Daughter of the Stars.

Psi? Cestus knocked on her door. Edgar’s gone back to the inn. I want to talk to you.

Psi shoved the stone under her pillow and lay on top of it as casually as she could manage.

What is it?

Psi, I know you don’t like Edgar. But I need the money. If you would just be nice to him –

I’ll never marry him! She squirmed as the stone dug uncomfortably into her side.

Cestus clenched her jaw. Well, if that’s how you’re going to be, you can stay locked in here until Edgar comes to pick you up in the morning.

Psi paled. In the morning? But we haven’t even –

No buts, Psi. You’re going. I’ve been more than patient with you, and if you’re going to be an ungrateful brat until the end, so be it. I’ll pack your things for you. Cestus slammed the door and locked it behind her.

Psi pulled the sapphire out from under the pillow and stuffed it into her pocket. She had to leave now, before Edgar came in the morning to acquire her. And the Ursa’s guards; they would have sensed a spell of that magnitude by now. She shuddered at the thought. Taking the lit candle from beside her bed, she looked around the room, searching for something with which to gather her things. She took a dress out of her wardrobe and began to rip it into squares. Threading a needle, she sewed the dress into a makeshift satchel. Her hands shook and she pricked her thumb.

Libra’s curls! she cursed, popping her injured thumb in her mouth. She couldn’t let herself panic.

What was she thinking? She put her head in her hands as she realized the enormity of what she was doing. She was going to throw away any plans she had to go on the run. She could no longer move quietly into Arcos’ house when her debt was paid. Where would she go? Was there anyone who would take in a magic-user? And surely Edgar would follow her.

She pushed the thought out of her mind. I just need to reach Arcos now. He’ll know what to do.

Looking around her room, she realized she would miss the small space. It wasn’t much to look at, but everything in it was hers - the broken piece of mirror she’d found in the road, pictures she had drawn of fantastical creatures, poems she had written. She sorted through the last of her things, and decided to pack her favorite compendium, The Twelve Histories of Magic, a flask, her clothes, and a tiny wooden dragon she had carved herself.

Time to go. Slipping her sewing needle under the window latch, she listened carefully. Back and forth, she turned the pin. Nothing. Damn. She glanced through the window and her heart began to pound. One of Cestus' dogs stood beyond the window, its silhouette sniffing the air. If she made a sound, it would alert Cestus to her plans. It began to turn its head toward her. She couldn't move. It let out a low growl. This was it.

Another dog galloped by, and the beast snapped its head away from the window to give chase. Psi gasped in relief. She fiddled with the latch until it until it made a satisfying click and the window swung open. Cestus may have been thorough in blocking Psi from escaping through the door, but she had forgotten about Psi’s penchant for creativity in the face of punishment. She never could figure out how Psi had escaped to see Arcos so many times.

Blowing out her candle, Psi slipped out the window and behind the house. The air was still as she crept toward their barn. They kept food in there, and Psi didn’t know when she would eat again.

A wave of heat hit her as she opened the door. It was filled with sleeping fire rams; Wera Farm was famous for its wool, although the Ursa’s increasing demand for sacrifices had thinned the herd a bit. The rams glowed in the dark barn with a soft, orange hue, their smoky breath creating a thick haze. Squinting, she made her way to the larder. She grabbed a loaf of bread and filled her flask with wine.

Psi?

Dread filled Psi’s stomach as she heard Cestus’ voice in the blackness. She had found Psi's empty bedroom. You’re not running away! A bark rang out. Cestus was sending the dogs after her. No. It couldn’t end this way. She grabbed a shepherd’s crook off the wall and began to poke the rams. They bleated in irritation and continued to sleep. Come on.

As if things couldn’t get any worse, the sapphire in her pocket began to glow. She would be found quickly if this continued. Please don’t do this.

The sapphire dematerialized from her pocket and swirled around as a fine mist. Surrounding her shepherd’s crook, it reappeared, embedded in the staff, which took up the unearthly light.

At least the sheep were awake now. They shoved each other, agitated, and began to head for the exit. She pushed the doors open and they streamed out, startling the dogs, who gave chase. Soon there was only one small lamb left, its leg stuck in a large coil of wire.

Psi approached it. It was a little ram with a V shape on his forehead, the sign of a herd leader. It was also a sign that he would be sacrificed on the next Worship Day. The Ursa had demanded that no leader be allowed to undermine the unity of a ram herd under Libran rule.

I guess we're both criminals now, little ram.

The ram looked at her with a blank stare. Sighing, Psi picked him up and carried him as fast as she could, running with the straggling sheep until they made it over the hill.

Go on. The sheep waited as she set the lamb on the grass. They gave Psi one last look and then ran for their lives as the dogs came closer. Psi wrapped the glowing staff in a square of her old dress and took off in the other direction, slipping into the forest where Arcos’ longhouse waited.

Arcos’ house was a magnificent sight to behold. It had been passed down to him from his parents when he grew old enough to live on his own. Carvings of the Twelve, the lesser gods who watched over the mortal realm, covered the house, each with their own wooden domain. It’s not finished, Psi could hear Arcos saying every time she came to admire his handiwork.

She snuck around to the back door, knowing Cestus had probably already figured out where she was headed. She pulled on the rope that dangled