The Ill-Made Mute: Cecilia Dart-Thornton

Book I of The Bitterbynde. The Stormriders land their winged stallions on the battlements of Isse Tower. Far below, the superstitious servants who dwell in the forest tell ghastly tales of evil creatures inhabiting the world outside, a world they have only glimpsed. Yet it is the most lowly - a mute, scarred and utterly despised foundling who dares to scale the Tower, sneak aboard a Windship and then dive from the sky. The fugitive is found by a kind-hearted adventurer who gives it a name, the gifts of communication by handspeak and an amazing truth that it never suspected. Now Imrhien begins a journey to Caermeor, to seek a wise woman whose skills may change the foundling's life. Cover art by Paul Gregory. https://cosmiccauldronbooks.com.au/p/the-lady-of-the-sorrows-cecilia-dart-thornton/