Beyond - (The Founding of Valdemar) by Mercedes Lackey

The "Valdemar's Escape" series is a thrilling new fantasy adventure from a New York Times bestselling author, set within the Eastern Empire where Duke Kordas Valdemar rules a tiny, bucolic Duchy focused on horse breeding.

Anticipating the day when the Empire's exploitative and militant leaders will leave them alone, Korda's father gathers magicians in hopes of finding a way to escape and protect their people from tyranny.

When Kordas is summoned to the Emperor's Court, will his reputation as a country bumpkin buy his people the time they need to flee? This series promises an exciting founding of Valdemar, with dark magic, blood magic, and the binding and "milking" of Elemental creatures.

Don't miss out on this captivating tale of escape and protection!