The Draejon

In the shadows of the millennia-old ruins of the Talla Empire, something ancient has awakened. Hours before dawn, a stranger's broken body is found at the edge of the village. Across the village, Rusty awakens from a nightmare. It's his sixteenth birthday - his Magehood day. Studying the Magecraft of the ancients has been Rusty's secret passion. Even so, working side-by-side with Mages who have shunned him is the last thing he wants to do. He plans to refuse the Magehood tests when an unexpected vision changes everything. Rusty is thrown into the middle of the effort to track down and destroy the Draejon, a massive beast of prey that is destroying the harvest and killing anyone who gets in its way. Without food stores, few will survive the coming winter. While a small group loyal to the Elder protects Rusty, he and D'tanya must awaken ancient talents, which will guide them to the Draejon's lair. If the Talla Clan is to survive, Rusty must learn to trust himself, lead those who wish him harm, and recognize truth and hope in the shape of an enemy.