Eramus moved to stand beside him and placed his hand on the rough bark of the tree. "That's why they called him a traitor."
"I suppose that is part of it," said Morzaun. "When Sytal found out you could wield magic like your father, he intended to force you to do his bidding. Your mother, Senniva, refused to allow that to happen, so she sent you away with one of her handmaidens."
"In my dreams, I see a ship lost to the sea, and Inara said she found me washed up on shore. I kept wondering why my mother didn't go with me, but if she had, she would have drowned with everyone else. It is better that she didn't."
"I wish that were true, Eramus." He sat down on a fallen log a few feet away, his expression heavy with sadness. "Senniva sent your father a note, explaining her plan to send you away from Izarden, away from your uncle. She believed you had a better chance if she didn't go with you. Senniva was the princess. The people knew her and would have recognized her wherever she went, so she remained behind.
"When Sytal discovered what she had done, he demanded to know where you were. Your mother refused to tell him, and her life ended by his hand."
"Sytal killed my mother because she protected me?"
"I told you I did not wish to cause you more pain."
Eramus nodded and attempted to swallow the lump that had settled in his throat. "And my father?"
"Alive. Sytal's son continues to search for him. After Senniva's death, your father sought justice. I assume even you have heard the rumors of King Sytal's demise?"
Eramus froze. "You mean the army and the death of the king…my father did that?"
"Yes."
His heart pounded. The stories of a dark sorcerer decimating the army of Izarden were not only true, but the work of his own father. Eramus had never imagined his past would be so complicated. Murder, bloodshed, and a fight for power—it all overwhelmed him. He collapsed to the ground, his body trembling.
Morzaun crouched beside him and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Listen to me, Eramus. Your village knows about your power. If word reaches King Delran that you are here, he will not hesitate to send his army to find you. That is why I have come—to prepare you."
"I've done nothing to the king," said Eramus. "All I want is to live here in peace."
"I don't think it's possible, at least not in perpetuity. Word will reach him, Eramus. You need to be ready when it does."
Eramus nodded. If the new king was anything like Sytal, he would stop at nothing to eradicate the magic that killed his father, and Delran might put the entire village in jeopardy to get to him. Inara, Evree…all the people he cared about would be at risk. He had to master his power. It was the only way to protect those he loved.
"So, what are we waiting for?" said Eramus. "Teach me everything you know."
