The Banished World

By Jessie Pyne

Kazel den’ Leafshade is dying. That would have been inconvenient in itself, for a high ranking elfin enchanter in a kingdom of dragon overlords. However, when Kazel discovers that there may be a cure on the mainland, she finds herself fleeing her island home, only to literally crash into a human girl in the middle of a barren wasteland. Her name is Tessa, she’s from Earth, and as Kazel soon discovers, she isn’t the only one.

The world of Dreamwing didn’t ask for a hero, and even if it had, no one in their right mind would expect a fifteen-year-old to save it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.
• Release date: Dec 14, 2019
• ISBN: 9780228611493

Book preview

The Banished World

The Dreamwing Trilogy: Book 1

By Jessie Pyne

Digital ISBNs

EPUB 9780228611493

Kindle 9780228611509

WEB 9780228611516

Print ISBNs

BWL Print 9780228611523

Amazon Print 9780228611530

LSI Print 9780228611547

Copyright 2020 by Jessie Pyne

Cover art by Michelle Lee

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book

Dedication

To my wonderful dad, Mark who won’t read this, my mom, Delee who will try. To my sister, Marisa who has read it too many times already and to my faithful friends who put up with me talking incessantly about it and yet, still speak to me. You guys rock!

Acknowledgments

BWL Publishing Inc. acknowledges the Province of Alberta for their Provincial Operating Grant for Publishers, for its financial support,

Chapter One

Kazel den’Leafshade

I suppose if I hadn’t been dying, I wouldn’t have been late for work.

The elfin run factory of Venki loomed before me, the ceiling of the massive underground cavern rising into darkness. My body trembled with traitorous fear, triggered by the memory of the last worker who’d arrived late and the burnt patch he’d left on the floor.

Perhaps my death will be swift after all, I murmured, adjusting the sleeve of my uniform to hide the black veins, spider-webbing over my arms. They appeared two moons ago, first spreading over the skin of my back and along the ridge of my spine, before spiraling outward like the devil’s handwriting down my arms and legs.

The Rot. The word kept bubbling up inside me. A festering reminder.

Taking a step forward, I reached inside for that bright spot deep within my soul, calling to the magic and beckoning it to the surface, focusing it on the protective barrier guarding the entrance. Instead of the warm wave of power I expected, searing pain answered my call. I gasped, my chest heaving with exertion. The barrier fought against me, refusing to yield. I swore loudly and kicked at it, then swore again as pain radiated up my leg.

Mistress den’Leafshade! The voice was an avalanche of rocks and splintered bone, boiling the blood in my veins. A spike of flaming magic flared across my senses and the barrier fell away.

Dizzy and desolate, I fought the urge to clutch my pounding head as I made my way onto the main work floor. Standing in the center, filling the wide cavern with his massive red-scaled body was Venki’s head supervisor.

Red, I murmured. The dragon narrowed his yellow gaze upon me, the taste of his acidic magic, settling in the back of my throat. He flexed his crimson wings, the spiked tips lodging in the cavern roof and leaving long gouges in the stone.

Starting forward and ignoring the stares of the other workers, I made my way to the dragon waiting next to my workstation. My partner, Tinsely, was already there, her dark skin clammy and eyes wide, behind her large leather goggles.

You will address me as Lord Rezebayn, Red corrected sharply, his voice echoed throughout the chamber. The common tongue spilled like shattered bones between his fangs.

I winced as my spine curved automatically into a low bow. Lord Rezebayn— I began but was promptly interrupted.

You are late.

I straightened and strained to meet his gaze. Spine stiff and chin pulled all the way back into order look into his sharp angular features. The lines of spikes framing his brow cast menacing shadows along his face.

My eyes were dry fighting the urge to blink. Yes, my Lord.

Her Supreme Majestic, High Wrenzwrekka has requested a progress report on the magical separation charm that you discussed.

Shock stopped the breath in my throat and my befuddled brain struggled to process the words. What? The separation charm? My feet refused to obey as my thoughts changed gears from chastisement to the work at hand. Err. Yes. Yes, of course, my Lord. Sprinting towards my station and fumbling through the storage cabinet, I retrieved a set of thick gold handcuffs. Etched onto the smooth metal in my own neat handwriting, was a line of intricately carved script that pulsed with power at my touch.

I have a working prototype and was just in the process of fine-tuning the locking mechanism. When placed on a subject these will completely cut them off from their magic and leave them unable to cast any type of enchantment. I’ve also begun experimenting with applying the charm on different types of weaponry —

I believe you were only tasked with creating the cuffs at this time, Rezebayn interrupted. His voice rattled my eardrums. You will present it to High Wrenzwrekka and Highest Shekradi immediately and they will instruct you on how to proceed.

Again, my brain stuttered with confusion. I beg your pardon, my Lord? Immediately?

I do not like repeating myself, den’Leafshade. The fire in his voice blazed hot with irritation. Report to the upper chamber at once.

Snapping to attention, I fumbled with the cuffs in my hands and the notes on my desk.

One more thing, Red spoke against my back and I turned to find his gaze level with mine, his wide snout almost grazing the floor.

Tension stiffened every muscle in my body, while I met his stare measure for measure. His scorching breath burned across my face.

I expect all my workers to be at their stations on time. There will be no second warning.

A quick exhale of breath was my only response. Rezebayn turned away, the scrape of his claws against the stone floor vibrating up my spine.

The lingering stares of the other workers buzzed along my senses, while I hastened to gather the things I needed. Tinsley, with me please, I said, straightening the collar of my uniform and carding my fingers uselessly through the tangles of my long brown hair. She obediently fell in beside me as we made our way towards the upper chambers.

My teeth ground against one another. This is going to be bad, I muttered, darkly.

Actually, I think that went quite well, all things considered, Tinsley said, her bushy red hair bouncing with every step. Unlike Red, she spoke in the Language of Magic, the words floating through my mind; images and half-formed thoughts. Vyrezi aren’t normally the forgiving sort and old Red is nasty as they come. Where were you? I was ready to send a search party. Thought you must be dead. The panic in her words pierced my senses and I stifled a groan.

Please speak Common, I begged her. The magic in her voice hurt as much as physical blows. Your emotions are giving me a headache.

What kind of Elf chooses to speak Common? she asked in irritation.

The kind that woke up late for the first time in her life and feels like her brain has caught fire. The upper chambers could only be reached by climbing a spiral walkway. The strain on my legs and the burn in my lungs as we climbed was impossible to hide. Tinsely’s worried gaze tightened my chest with fear.

Are you sure you’re not ill? She frowned at the sight of my pale face.

No. My voice was sharp. I’m fine, Tinsley. Let’s just get this over with.

I’ve never been to the upper chambers before. Tinsley pointed out, even as I prayed she’d just stop talking. Of course, this is a common as moonrise for you. The great hand-picky protégé.

Yes, it’s positively royal being held to a higher standard by a race of dragon who do not tolerate weakness. They don’t even have a word for it in their language. I gasped; out of breath. And as for Red, just because the debt is forgotten doesn’t mean it’s paid.

We reached the top. The large pathway leading to a set of high stone doors. A Vyrezi stood guard, red eyes flashing as we approached.

One moment, he said before disappearing into the chamber.

We waited in tense silence until the cool sting of royal blue magic sent shudders racing up my spine. I forced myself to remain perfectly still, my expression smoothing into cold indifference as Dasheit Emmelyn strolled up beside us.

What are you doing here? I asked without preamble. I thought you’d be on the surface for the next three days.

Good to see you too, Kazel, Dash muttered. Tinsley. He nodded in greeting. Tinsley flushed and muttered something incoherent before turning away. 

I was looking for you, Dash said, the soft lilt of his voice sent goose flesh erupting over my body. I chanced a glance sideways and found him staring at me, his long dark hair casting his blue eyes in shadow. Hubry said you’d been summoned to the upper chambers.

Yes, so I don’t really have time to catch up just now, Dash. My tone was overly sharp.

I need to talk to you, he begged. You’ve been avoiding me.

Yes, I have, I told him. Apparently you’re not as smart as you think you are if you thought that meant continuing to seek me out.

Dash ignored me, taking my shoulder and turning me to face him. My parents want me to enter into another betrothal arrangement, he confessed, his gaze ice cold against my skin, so cold I nearly shivered.

A long heavy moment passed between us. You don’t need my permission, I told him.

Kazel— he began.

I can’t do this now, I told him forcefully. Not here, I have an audience with Shekradi and Wrenzwrekka

I know, I know, but just listen, he pleaded, desperately. I understand why you called off the engagement.

You don’t, I insisted, heat rising up my neck. Yes, I fell in love with someone else and we all know how that turned out, but it was more than that and you know it! My hands fisted at my side. I will not marry you just because the dragons think we will produce superior offspring. I’m my own person, Dash, not a breeding mare.

Dash’s face grew dark, his expression grim. That’s not fair, Kazel. You know I don’t see you that way —.

The Vyrezi guard returned, glancing over the three of us with distaste. den’Leafshade only. he barked.

Not daring to argue I started forward, my eyes wet and my head spinning. Every fibre of my being dedicated to getting as far away from Dash as possible. We’re done here, Dash. Please stop chasing after the wind, I snapped over my shoulder, even as my gut twisted itself into guilty knots.

The chamber was wide and dimly lit. The few torches mounted on the walls sent light skipping across High Wrenzwekka’s gleaming violet scales. Her presence filled the room, superior and undeniable. Her hard-spiked features were rigid, while her red gaze narrowed upon me. At her side, Highest Shekradi was more subdued. His silver-gray scales shifted like fine blown glass and his scared features told tales of battles fought and won. The weight of his many years rested heavily in his dark, jewelled eyes.

I fought to keep my head high as I approached. To my horror, dark spots began to dance across my vision, and I blinked furiously.

den’Leafshade, please tell me the prototype is complete, Wrenzwrekka began.

I stumbled, as her sharp, high voice reverberated through my bones. The gold cuffs fell from my hand and clattered upon the ground.

Mistress den’Leafshade? Shekradi’s tone was laced with something like concern and sounded as though it was coming from the opposite side of a cavern, a rushing river separating us. I had just enough wherewithal to feel the burning shame of collapsing in front of my superiors before the ground beneath me disappeared and I was falling, falling, falling…

Then nothing.

Chapter Two

Kazel den’Leafshade

Awareness brushed my senses as my body was shifted and jostled before coming to rest on a soft cot in the healing wing of the factory. I moaned in protest as a healer covered me in warm blankets.

I’m fine, I insisted, trying to push off the covers. My arms heavy as if weighed down with stones. I need to get back to work.

Relax Mistress den’Leafshade, we’ve summoned your father.

I’m here, Kazel. It was Dash’s voice.

His cool hand took mine and panic flared in my chest at the feel of the air on my exposed arm. I tried to rise but I could barely lift my head.

Just relax.

Time became quite fickle then. The world around me flashed by in colorful bursts. A cup was pressed to my lips and the medicinal taste of herbs washed over my tongue and down my dry throat. The pain in my body melted away. My lungs expanded in a deep cleansing breath and my vision cleared.

Dash was still there. He stood in the corner looking sullen. At the entrance to the room stood my father, speaking quite adamantly with a rather harassed looking healer.

It is imperative that she gets here as soon as possible, he was saying. The fog in my brain made it difficult to keep track of the conversation. —you need to make sure she gets my message.

You must understand Priestess Emmelyn’s services are in high demand, the healer tried to reason. It will take time before she can —

Dash spoke up, authority ringing in his voice. You tell the priestess her grandson is requesting her presence. Tell her it’s urgent.

The healer didn’t look convinced, but she nodded and fled the room.

I still don’t see the urgency, Jowan, Dash admitted when the healer was out of earshot. What is Grandmother going to tell you the other healers haven’t? It’s the sixth case this season. Little Kelilah Wyndark just started showing symptoms and it was only a moon ago they lost her father, Bjarke, to it.

My father turned back towards the room; his bushy grey eyebrows pinched together in worry. I appreciate your help, Dasheit, but you should go now.

Dash shook head. No, I want to stay. You shouldn’t be alone.

Her father ran his hands over the crown of his balding head, exasperated, until he caught sight of me, staring back at him. Kazel. He breathed and hurried to my side. My Star. The familiar nickname turned to nonsense in my ears. My brow furrowed, while I concentrated on the magic flowing through my father’s words.

Dash approached more cautiously. We were beginning to think you would sleep the day away, he joked, though his tone was unconvincing. His eyes were puffy and rimmed in purple, as though he’d been crying.

His gaze rested on my arms; sleeves rolled to my elbows. The thick black lines spread like tree roots over my tan flesh.

Can you understand everything we’re saying, Kazel? Papa asked, his free hand gestured through the enchanted worlds of the Language of Magic. They melted into sight in my mind and then promptly dissolved into molten heat, the pain slicing through my head.

I winced but nodded, eyes still on the inky lines etched over my skin. It hurts, but the Rot hasn’t stolen my voice yet, Papa.

Why didn’t you tell me? Papa begged. How long have you been hiding this?

Choking back tears, while my nails dug into my palms. I stifled a sob. About two moons. I hated the way saying it out loud made me feel. I was going to tell you, I assured him. When I couldn’t speak the Language anymore, like Mama near the end. I just didn’t want to worry you.

You are my daughter, Papa told me firmly. Everything I am is dedicated to your wellbeing. You shouldn’t have been going through this alone!

There’s nothing you could have done, I told him. There’s nothing anyone can do. I didn’t want to spend my final days in a sickbed, while everyone pitied me. It’s bad enough I collapsed in front of Shekradi and Wrenzwrekka. I cringed at the memory. I’m surprised they didn’t just incinerate me on the spot. The shame alone will kill me long before the Rot.

Shekradi was actually quite understanding, considering, Dash assured me, though I couldn’t see how that could be true.

I would ask if this was a bad time, but what time could be good under the circumstances? The voice and the magic that accompanied it was fluid as the tide washing over the seashore.

A figure appeared in the doorway. Graceful and ageless, she floated into the room gently as seafoam on the waves. Her cerulean robes cascaded around her in a waterfall of color. Scales danced on her pale skin, delicate as spun glass.

My father and Dash stood at attention as Priestess Nimue Emmelyn stepped into the room. I tried to sit up in a vain attempt at dignity but was quickly coaxed back down onto the cot.

Grandmother, Dash greeted her.

Thank you for coming so quickly, Priestess. Papa reached out to take one of her delicate hands. She gave a wry smile.

Well, I could never say no to my favorite grandson. She smiled fondly at Dash, before turning to fix her fathomless gaze upon me.

Can you sit up for me, Kazel? she asked. When I did, she pulled up the back of my uniform. Papa’s face became ashen and every muscle in his body seemed coiled tight and ready to spring.

Two mirrors were brought to show me the damage, though they need not have bothered. I was already quite familiar with the angry black veins, covering the expanse of my back, bleeding into the tan of my skin and turning it a sickly green.

For a moment all was silent, the creaking of the settling caverns and the distant rush of water seemed amplified as I blinked my dry eyes. I looked to my father and to my surprise he was staring at the priestess, with an intensity I didn’t understand.

You know why I’ve summoned you, Nimue, Papa stated.

The Priestess’s eyes flicker towards Dash and me. I think we should discuss this later.

Discuss what? Dash demanded. What’s going on?

His voice seemed somehow... scattered. The magic of his words buzzed erratically in my pain-filled mind.

There’s a cure — Papa began. However, what came next dissolved into the same incoherent noises, like an out of tune instrument.

Do…mean? Was all I could make out of Dash’s query. His tone was doubtful, suspicious.

My father’s expression was firm, while Nimue looked more anxious by the second. She watched her grandson with growing apprehension. Papa began to explain something. Some sort of plan that I couldn’t quite grasp with my brain short-circuiting as it was.

…Save her…

Dash stood sharply. The movement sent his chair clattering to the floor.

I tried to say his name, but the magic clogged in my throat. I coughed and tried again but the words would not form. My heart palpitated with fear while around me the room dissolved into chaos.

Dash was ranting, gesturing wildly. Both Papa and Nimue were attempting to calm him, their tones and faces placating.

…Only way… Nimue insisted.

…Treason! Dash barked and attempted to push past the two of them. Nimue caught his arm and with a gentle brush of fingers to his temple, Dash’s eyes rolled back into his head and he collapsed in his grandmother's arms.

Ignoring the deep ache beneath my skin I leapt from the bed and dove towards the place when Nimue was settling Dash onto the stone floor.

Again, my attempt to speak his name caught in my throat and sent me into a fit of coughing. I recovered and switched to the common tongue. What’s going on? My voice was hysterical. What did you do to him?

My father knelt next to me and started to explain but the words were, of course, lost on me. I shook my head, still staring at Dash’s unconscious face. I can’t understand you, Papa.

His face went as white as the smallest moon. He closed his eyes, as though in pain but when he opened them again his expression was firm. He looked to Nimue, her expression as brittle as thin glass while she gazed at her grandson.

It was foolish to tell him, she told us in Common. My bloodline has always been stubborn. He would never have accepted the truth.

What’s done is done, Papa replied. We need to leave now.

Leave? The leap from the bed had sent me into another spiral of pain, my vision spotty and head swimming. Nimue rose to retrieve a vial from the pocket of her robes. She unstopped it and pressed it to my lips. The contents burned my throat and ignited my veins with energy. The pain wasn’t gone but it had diminished. The fog lifted from my mind and I was able to rise without help. My father rose with me.

It will last only until quarter past half tide, Nimue explained. "It’s not safe to take more than once, but it should keep you