Before the Epic: Meeting Ryann
Every hero has a beginning, but harder fires forge some beginnings more than others. Before the upcoming three-book series takes us across the sprawling landscapes of my high fantasy world, I want to introduce you to a character who has lived in my imagination for a long time: Ryann.
A Life in the Shadows
When we first meet Ryann in this introductory novella, she isn't a legendary warrior or a powerful mage. She is a young woman surviving day-to-day behind the cold stone walls of a kitchen, enduring a life of service and the harsh whims of those in power. She is small, others overlook her, and they underestimate her. But beneath the soot and the silence, there is a spark of something ancient—and a determination that cannot be broken.
The Quest for Blood and Kin
What drives a person to leave the only world they’ve ever known? The memory of a brother and a heritage that someone has kept from her drives Ryann. This novella isn't just a fantasy adventure; it’s a deeply personal mystery. It’s about that pivotal moment when a "simple soul" realizes they were born for something much, much larger.
Why an Introductory Novella?
I wanted to give you a "keyhole" view into the world before we open the heavy gates of the main trilogy. In these pages, you’ll get a sense of the "Ethereal & Epic" tone I love to write—misty landscapes, whispered legends, and the tactile reality of a world where magic is rare, dangerous, and often misunderstood. By the time you reach the final page of this introduction, you won’t just be reading about Ryann. You’ll be ready to follow her into the wild. The journey to find her brother—and her true self—begins here. Are you ready to step out of the kitchens and into the unknown?
Ryann, a young woman with a mysterious past, embarks on an epic quest to uncover the truth about her family and her own hidden powers, all while navigating the dangerous political machinations of an empire on the brink of collapse.
Ryann has spent her life as a sclava (servant) in Walthern Castle, haunted by the deaths of her friends at the hands of the cruel heir, Bramwel. But when she discovers she may have a long-lost brother, Ryann sets out on a dangerous journey across the realm of Bro'Dien, only to find that her destiny is far more intertwined with the fate of the empire than she ever imagined.
As Ryann uncovers her connection to the royal bloodline and the ancient powers of biomancy, she must confront not only Bramwel's wrath, but the machinations of the ruthless Emperor Afagddu, who will stop at nothing to harness her abilities for his own nefarious purposes.
Caught between warring factions and her own sense of duty, Ryann must learn to wield her newfound powers, uncover the truth of her past, and decide the future of the realm - all while grappling with the weight of her choices and the ghosts of her past.
Ryann is a complex and multifaceted protagonist. On the one hand, she is a determined and resourceful young woman who has survived a life of hardship and loss. But beneath her tough exterior lies a deep well of uncertainty, as she grapples with the revelation of her royal heritage and the responsibility that comes with it.
As Ryann discovers her connection to the ancient powers of biomancy - the ability to see the true nature of people through their unique auras - she must learn to navigate this new world of intrigue and manipulation. Ryann's journey is one of self-discovery, as she comes to terms with her role in the larger conflict, and decides how to wield her abilities for the greater good.
Ultimately, Ryann is a reluctant hero, thrust into a destiny she never asked for. But through her trials, she grows in strength, wisdom, and conviction, becoming a formidable force to be reckoned with as she fights to uncover the truth, protect her loved ones, and shape the future of the realm.
The story is set in the fantastical realm of Bro'Dien, a land steeped in history, political intrigue, and magical systems. From the towering castle of Walthern to the bustling city of Martha Creek, the world is richly detailed and immersive, providing a vivid backdrop for Ryann's journey.
Ryann's Brother
Ryann, a young woman with extraordinary biomantic abilities, returns to Walthern Castle after a three-year absence, only to find that the former lord, her cruel master, has died and his son, Bramwel Cala, has seized power. Bramwel, a ruthless and cunning young man, imprisons Ryann in the castle's west tower, determined to keep her from claiming her rightful place as the heir to the Walthern estate.
Caught in a web of political intrigue, Ryann must navigate the treacherous machinations of Bramwel and the sinister Graycoat Taggart, a powerful agent of the Emperor who also seeks to capture Ryann for her unique abilities. As Ryann uncovers the truth of her own heritage and the prophesied role of the "Nine Maidens" in restoring balance to the realms, she must find a way to harness her formidable powers and reclaim her birthright, all while evading those who would seek to control or destroy her.
Filled with complex characters, a richly imagined magical system, and high-stakes drama, "Ryann's Curse" immerses readers in a world of adventure, forbidden romance, and the eternal struggle between light and dark. As Ryann fights to free herself and her people from the curse that threatens to consume them all, she must confront the most powerful forces in the nine realms and ultimately decide the fate of her world.
Ryann's Curse
Lord Bramwel Cala stepped back from the prostrate body of his sparring partner and wiped the sweat from his brow. “Well fought,” he sputtered, almost bending over double trying to regain his breath. As soon as he was fully recovered, he took a couple more deep breaths and wiped a little blood from his bare fist. It was good to keep in shape. Ever since he had been beaten by the wretch, Ryann, he had made it a priority to do so.
Bram watched as several of his guard pulled their companion to his feet and dusted him off. One of them bowed briefly to Bram before helping the man away. Bram squatted down, taking the opportunity to rest a little before he returned to the castle. As he turned to walk inside, he glanced up at the window that marked Ryann’s prison, but he couldn’t see a face at the window. He laughed to himself.
Bram opened his eyes and involuntarily shivered. The light was gone from the room and his body felt cold. “Barri! Where are you?” he shouted, sitting up on the bed. “Barri!”
The door to his room opened and a sclava in his mid-twenties hurried in. “My Lord?”
“I need a bath drawn and a change of clothes. Why weren’t they ready for me?”
Barri bowed his head. “I’m sorry, My Lord. I hadn’t realized you were back. I’ll go immediately.” He turned to leave the room.
The Breath and the Balance: The Conclusion of Ryann’s Legacy
After two books of political intrigue, personal sacrifice, and the fight to reclaim her heritage, Ryann faces her greatest challenge. We’ve watched her grow from a kitchen maid into a leader of men, but in Ryann's Legacy, she finally understands the true cost of power.
This finale isn’t just about defeating an enemy; it’s about restoring the balance to an entire world. Walthern may be her crucible, but the entire kingdom is in danger. In this conclusion, Ryann must confront her rivals and the shadows of her family’s past, risking everything she has gained in a battle that will determine the fate of Walthern—and her own name.
I wanted this book to have the signature JCDorset feel of deep, immersion-level lore. You’ll find new maps of the regions she must unite, detailed scriptures of the ancient prophecies, and a definitive understanding of how Biomancy shapes their reality.
It’s about what we leave behind. The fight has always been personal for Ryann, but now, it’s about the future of a legacy. This is the moment the Breath of the Nine Maidens returns to its rightful place.
The stakes have never been higher. Let the final battle begin.
Ryann's Legacy
"You've become a legend, Ryann," Enid thought to herself, her wings catching an updraft. "But legends can't lead revolutions or heal the wounds of a nation. That's up to us now."
