Chapter One
Secrets Revealed
Magic could make quick work of thatching a new roof, but Eramus wasn’t at liberty to use his hidden power. The smack of a metal hammer drove a nail into the long wooden plank next to him, fastening it to the roof with a familiar ping. Several men worked beside him and the noonday sun baked their skin, beading sweat on their faces.
Eramus swiped his jet black hair from his forehead and wiped his brow with the back of his hand. For two days now, he and his fellow villagers had been working hard to secure a new roof on Roderick's two-story cottage. The old man watched from the ground with folded arms, his body crumpled by his twisted spine. The harsh winter had done a number on the aged roof, leaving it full of holes that allowed water to seep into the interior. Hopefully after today, that would no longer be a problem.
Eramus drew in a deep breath. Though he had plenty of muscle from his work helping the local farmers and tradesmen, his arms ached from the exertion. He knew a much easier and faster method of making the repairs but could never allow himself to utilize his power—at least not with people watching. Revealing his secret would be a disaster. His people wouldn't respond well to magic, what with the hushed rumors that the army of Izarden and previous king had met their doom facing a powerful sorcerer. How much of that story was true, however, he couldn’t say.
A soft voice caught his attention. Eramus peeked over the edge of the roof to see a young woman wearing a yellow dress and holding a basket around one arm. Though her brown bonnet shaded her face, he knew at once who she was. He’d recognize that voice and long braid of golden hair anywhere.
"I've brought lunch for everyone!" she called in a tone that flowed like a melody. Then again, Evree's voice always sounded like music to Eramus. "Everyone come down and take a break!"
Eramus didn't require more of an invitation. He climbed down the ladder behind two other men and eagerly waited his turn for lunch. His stomach grumbled, but he cared more about who was serving the food than what the meal would comprise.
"Good afternoon, Eramus," she said, handing him a sandwich and an apple. The way the sunlight made her green eyes sparkle twisted his stomach into a tight knot.
"Good afternoon, Evree. How are you today?"
Her lips lifted, and Eramus noted that wider smiles caused a little dimple to form on the right side of her cheek. "I'm well. Thank you for asking."
Eramus opened his mouth to say more, but the blasted words didn't come. Her brilliant green eyes had stolen them, which happened frequently, and always when others were around to watch him flounder.
Evree bit her lip. Her gaze shifted to the cottage, drawn there by the men still hammering away on the roof. "It looks like you're making wonderful progress," she said as her attention moved back to him.
He nodded, a bit too dramatically, but he needed another moment to find his voice. "Yes…yes, I'd say we are. Should have it completed by this evening."
Her smile returned, and his mind went blank. "That's good to hear. I'm sure Roderick will be happy to feel safe from the spring rains."
His head bobbed up and down while his mouth hung open.
Blast.
Eramus didn't know his exact age, but at near nineteen, he shouldn’t struggle to make conversation like this. Evree left his thoughts as messy as smashed berries.
Someone behind him cleared their throat. "You know, I don't mean to sound impatient, but there's a line of hungry men behind you, boy."
Eramus was sure his face had colored, judging by the excess heat that spread through his cheeks. "Forgive me. I'll just…" He swallowed hard and stepped to the side. Evree continued to hand out food while Eramus watched her from beneath a nearby birch tree. Every once in a while, her eyes would flick to him, briefly enough that he questioned whether they had really fallen on him at all.
Once all the men had their food, Evree stepped closer to the cottage, her eyebrow raised and her arms folded. "Papa! Come down and take a break! You've been up there since sunrise. You need to eat something!"
Eramus smiled. Evree's voice was beautiful, even when she chided. How did she manage that?
Her father, Kieran, lifted his head, a drop of sweat rolling from his forehead. "All right, sweetheart. I'll be down in just a moment." Evree's grin of triumph made Eramus chuckle.
Her father moved to the edge of the roof and started down the ladder. Evree stood right below, waiting for him. As soon as his foot met the third step, a loud crack echoed through the air. Kieran yelped and his arms jerked forward to grip the edge of the roof just as the ladder fell sideways. Eramus shot towards them faster than his mind could register what his body was doing. Kieran attempted to reposition his hands, and in doing so pulled a loose board to the edge, sending it fumbling towards the ground…and Evree.
Eramus whirled his hands through the air until a bright blue light surrounded them. An enormous dome appeared over his head just as he reached Evree's side. The wooden board crashed down on top of it, and the plank snapped in two before falling to the ground.
Evree had ducked into the crevice of his shoulder, but the clonk of the wood rattling against the ground lifted her gaze. Her eyes settled briefly on him, then grew wide as they moved over his shoulder. "Papa!"
Eramus followed her gaze. Kieran had lost his grip on the roof and was dangling by one hand with just the tips of his fingers. Eramus dissipated his shield, his hands cutting through the air. A beam of energy flowed from his palms towards Evree's father and surrounded his entire body.
"Kieran! You can let go!" Eramus tried to keep his tone even, but his heart raced madly. "I've got you. Please, trust me!"
Kieran looked over his shoulder, his eyes reflecting his uncertainty. They locked on Eramus, and he gave him one strong nod of encouragement. Kieran released his hold on the roof. The blue aura surrounding his body held him in the air, suspended by what one could only call magic. Eramus willed him to the ground with the smooth motions of his hands. Once Kieran's feet found the dirt, the blue energy dissipated. Evree released a puff of air, then ran to her father and wrapped her arms around his neck.
He held her in a tight embrace, muttering into her ear. "I'm all right, sweetheart. I'm all right."
