Bram Alder was supposed to stay out of sight during the sacred summoning rite. Instead, he saved a wounded magical fox, ruined the ceremony, and accidentally called down the legendary Moonhorn. The only problem? The sacred beast took one look at him and declared him completely unqualified. Bram is a low-ranking stable apprentice with muddy boots, a disastrous tool pouch, and the unfortunate habit of talking back to people who can ruin his life.
He has no noble blood, no polished manners, and no reason to stand beside a creature worshipped by an entire kingdom. But he can hear the pain of magical beasts. When the White Horn Chapel tries to explain away cruelty as "purity, " Bram becomes the one person the Moonhorn refuses to leave behind. Now he must survive a dangerous inquiry in the capital, a suspicious priesthood, a bond no one wants to recognize, and a growing mystery behind the so-called soot-taint spreading through Eldermark's beasts.
Sharp-tongued sacred beast. Unqualified keeper. Magical creature bonds. Chapel secrets. A fantasy adventure comedy for readers who love beast-taming light novels, reluctant heroes, found family, and legendary companions with very high standards. Bram never asked to be chosen. Caelune never said he was worthy. And if he wants to protect the beasts no one else is willing to hear, he'll have to become something better before the Chapel decides he is easier to break than believe.
Bram Alder was supposed to stay out of sight during the sacred summoning rite. Instead, he saved a wounded magical fox, ruined the ceremony, and accidentally called down the legendary Moonhorn. The only problem? The sacred beast took one look at him and declared him completely unqualified. Bram is a low-ranking stable apprentice with muddy boots, a disastrous tool pouch, and the unfortunate habit of talking back to people who can ruin his life.
He has no noble blood, no polished manners, and no reason to stand beside a creature worshipped by an entire kingdom. But he can hear the pain of magical beasts. When the White Horn Chapel tries to explain away cruelty as "purity, " Bram becomes the one person the Moonhorn refuses to leave behind. Now he must survive a dangerous inquiry in the capital, a suspicious priesthood, a bond no one wants to recognize, and a growing mystery behind the so-called soot-taint spreading through Eldermark's beasts.
Sharp-tongued sacred beast. Unqualified keeper. Magical creature bonds. Chapel secrets. A fantasy adventure comedy for readers who love beast-taming light novels, reluctant heroes, found family, and legendary companions with very high standards. Bram never asked to be chosen. Caelune never said he was worthy. And if he wants to protect the beasts no one else is willing to hear, he'll have to become something better before the Chapel decides he is easier to break than believe.