Titan Books Founding of Valdemar by Mercedes Lackey

The Empire's refugees, with Tayledras' aid, have built a flourishing city, Haven. However, the Tayledras retreat to the perilous Pelagirs, leaving Haven's humans to navigate independently. Despite Haven's stability, surrounding lands harbor threats, primarily rogue magicians exploiting cleansed lands' magical energy, enslaving magical creatures and Elementals. Kordas, his kin, and people require assistance. Unanticipated aid arrives via Kordas' prayers, setting the fledgling kingdom of Valdemar on an unprecedented course.