"Fair enough," said Eramus. "Better to have some experience than none at all."
Another smile washed across Aldeth's face. "Right."
His uncle taught him strange words that twisted his tongue into unforgiving knots, and after several attempts, Eramus conjured his aura to accompany them. He had no way of knowing if the spell would heal anything, but having it in his arsenal of magic comforted him. If things with Arnan continued, self healing would come in handy.
Eramus scratched at the wooden table once the lesson was over. He still had so many questions, but no way to ask them without revealing he knew of Morzaun and Zeeran. Yelene and Aldeth likely already suspectedsomething, what with his knowledge of the Virgàm and lack of surprise regarding his father's quarrel with the king. How would they respond if they knew he was in contact with them? Although he wasn't aware of any details regarding their relationship, he sensed there was some discord.
Aldeth chuckled, seeming to sense his thoughts. "Is there more you wished to ask me? Or perhaps spells you wished to learn?"
“I know my magic came from my father,” he started with some hesitation. Aldeth’s brows raised high on his forehead, but he said nothing. “Is he a Protesta? Like me?”
What ability his father possessed didn't really matter. It was Eramus's roundabout way of asking a question. He had assumed that his magic and, specifically, his ability passed to him from his father, but meeting Zeeran made him question the notion. Aldeth was an Elementalist and Yelene a Seer. Why, then, was Zeeran's aura blue like his own?
Aldeth scratched the back of his head. "Yes, your father was a Protesta."
Was? Aldeth and Yelene had spoken as though his father was alive, and Morzaun had stated as much, but his uncle's phrasing left him confused. He had little time to dwell on the question as Aldeth continued.
“We pass on our capability to use magic, but not necessarily our abilities. Think of it as random, the roll of a die. For example, Yelene and I have three children. Ladisias is an Elementalist, like me. Zeeran is a Protesta, and Feya is a Seer. If you decide to come back to Verascene with us, you’ll get to meet your cousins. I know Ladisias, especially, is hoping you will.”
Eramus bit his lip. "And Zeeran and Feya? Do they live on Verascene with you as well?"
There was no mistaking the shift in Aldeth's expression. His eyes filled with sadness, and guilt struck Eramus for asking. He knew Zeeran did not reside with his family, and his curiosity desperately wanted to know why.
When Aldeth remained quiet, Yelene answered for him, her voice filled with the same sorrow. "Feya and her husband live with us, but I'm afraid Zeeran has chosen a different path."
Pulling himself from his trance, Aldeth leaned forward and propped his chin with his fist. "There is something you must understand, Eramus. Not everyone who possesses magic uses their power for good. There are some who believe we are superior, that we should rule over Virgamor solely because of our magic, even if it means the loss of innocent lives."
"And Zeeran…is that what he believes?"
"I'm afraid he might," said Aldeth. "I only hope he finds his way home."
No matter how much he wanted to press for more answers, Eramus couldn't bring himself to do so. The pain etched across Aldeth's face was more than he could bear. Whatever had caused Zeeran to stray from his family weighed heavily on his aunt and uncle, and Eramus wondered if Morzaun had played a role in his cousin's dissent.
A light tap sounded from the door. Inara rushed to answer its plea. When the door swung open, a young man Eramus recognized stood in the frame. His expression was tight, just like the day Eramus revealed his power.
"Kieran has called a meeting," the young man said. "He's asked everyone to come."
