The Collegium Chronicles: Bk. 1 Foundation

In this chronicle of the early history of Valdemar, a thirteen-year old orphan named Magpie escapes a life of slavery in the gem mines when he is chosen by one of the magical companion horses of Valdemar to be trained as a herald. Thrust into the centre of a legend in the making, Magpie discovers talents he never knew he had, and witnesses the founding of the great Heralds' Collegium.