Shooting her a pointed look did nothing. She released her grip on his arm and planted her hands firmly on her hips. Morzaun chuckled.
"All right," said Eramus after an exasperated sigh. "But sit by the tree line. I don't want you anywhere near me while I'm practicing."
Evree gathered her skirts and marched across the meadow with her chin held high. Eramus shook his head. That girl might be the death of him.
"She's rather tenacious," said Morzaun, lifting one of his brows.
Eramus cleared his throat. The last thing he wanted to discuss was his relationship with Evree. "What do you intend to teach me first?"
"There are many spells I can teach you, but we'll start with some simple ones. The first is called theillustris."
Eramus's face crumpled. "The spells have names?"
Morzaun laughed. "Yes, they do. When the three children first trained with their magic, they practiced their skills as you have—without knowledge of incantations. But over time, something guided them to understand the language of the Virgàm, making spells much easier to learn…and teach."
"Something guided them?"
He nodded. "When the children first arrived at the base of Kantinar, it is said that a strange voice led them up the mountain, directing them to the Virgàm. After the scepter bestowed them magic, it continued to guide the children by instructing them to compile a book of spells. The voice presented the language to one of them through visions, and it was then taught to the other magic wielders."
"And this voice, where does it come from…or who does it belong to?"
Morzaun tilted his head, a bemused grin stretching across his face. "That is an excellent question, and one I have no answer for." He held his hands in front of him, palms facing the sky. "Now, theillustris."
Eramus copied Morzaun's instruction, repeating odd words that knotted his tongue. It took several attempts, but eventually a blue orb settled above his palm, glowing as bright as the sun.
"Well done," said Morzaun. "Theillustrisis a useful spell. One never knows when they might find themselves amidst the darkness."
Eramus lifted the orb into the air, watching it glisten in the sunlight. He clenched his hand, and the blue orb flattened and dispersed until no trace of it remained. "What's next?"
For several hours, Morzaun taught him simple spells, some of which Eramus had unwittingly used before. Now, they had a name, and knowing the incantations allowed him to conjure them with more power and ease. By late afternoon, exhaustion claimed him.
"I didn't realize how much energy magic required," he said between gasps.
Morzaun gripped his shoulder. "You'll get used to it with practice. Now that you no longer hide your abilities, your power will grow." He reached inside his cloak and pulled the round amulet from inside.
"You're leaving?" asked Eramus. Part of him saddened. He still had so many questions, but as his thoughts turned to Evree, he realized now wasn't the best time for them. He preferred his self-discovery was done in private. Who knew what secrets lay buried in his past.
"I'll see you again in a few days. Until then, keep practicing."
The gem in the center of the amulet illuminated. Morzaun's body slowly disappeared, turning to dust before his eyes.
Evree bounded towards him, holding her skirts with one hand and her bonnet in place with the other. "He just disappeared!"
Eramus shrugged when she stopped in front of him. "He has a tendency to do that."
She bit her lip and writhed her fingers together. "Eramus, are you certain you can trust that man? Something about him…I just don't know."
He sighed. She was right, and his instincts hoisted red flags. But Morzaun had information Eramus needed, and he couldn't allow the opportunity to slip through his fingers.
"I don't have any choice but to trust him right now. If he can teach me to control my power, it may help our people feel more comfortable. And, he claims to have knowledge about my family. I need answers, Evree. I need to know who I am."
Evree moved to his side and wrapped her hand around his arm. "Just promise you'll be careful. I can't stand the thought of you getting hurt."
"I'll be careful, but I would prefer you weren't here when Morzaun is around. At least not until we know for certain we can trust him. I want you to stay in the village where it's safe. Will you do that for me?"
Her nose wrinkled. "I suppose I will, but I don't like the idea of you being out here alone with him. What if he's some sort of ruffian?"
Eramus chuckled. "I think I can handle myself if he is. He doesn't have magic and I do."
