Sytravious: The Lost Warlock Of Moruz (The Oathbreaker Book 1) by E.B. Acevedo

will do everything in my power to locate that man and silence him for good.  I know he will slip up and when he does, I will be there.  I will listen for rumors in town, he cannot have gotten far.”
                  Every minute that passed, meant the soldier was more likely to get away and he did not want to bear the burden of knowing it was his fault that his parents were discovered.  “Do not worry.  I am going to rectify the situation right now.”  He got up and walked out the door, before they could stop him.  As he ran up the stairs, he heard his mother holler, “Wait, it is too dangerous!  Every guard in the city will be on high alert.” 
                  Disregarding her words of caution, he began the search.  Sytravious now felt bad for his mother.  He had mistaken her fear of Lord Fheng for anger at her family.  If all he had heard about the twisted ruler of Moruz was true, then he needed to kill the soldier before word traveled back to the west. 
     
                 
     
     
     
     
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 8
    Origins Of The Black Flame
     
     
     
     
     
    T he twisting center of the temple spiraled several stories above Havencrest.  Surrounding the building were breathtaking gardens, which happened to be the location of Raiven’s lesson that day.  She stared at the white stone wall that surrounded the temple, and yearned to be able to see beyond it.  Even a glimpse of the city below, would make her feel closer to her only friend, Sytravious.  Her newfound feelings for him had preoccupied her thoughts the past few days. 
    She was concerned because once again, they parted ways in a hurry.  Soon after her arrival at the temple, she was alerted to the news of several brutal attacks in the Foxfire Woods.  If he had been hurt on his way home, she would not be able to help feeling somewhat responsible for his recklessness.  He risked everything to be able to see her.  Even if she did not wholly understand her feelings for him, she still wanted to know he had made it back safe, but she had not been afforded the opportunity to verify his well-being.
    “Did you hear what I just said, Priestess?  Today's lesson requires complete focus,” Vienken scolded and shot a look of indignation at her.
    Embarrassed, Raiven returned her attention to her instructor.  “My apologies.”
    “Alright, alright.  No time for apologies, just pay attention.”  He cleared his throat and continued, “You have done well in demonstrating the power of Vesalys through your healing abilities, but there is more to our Goddess’ wonders than curing the sick and wounded.”
    He had her attention now.  Anything beyond her everyday lectures about healing would be of interest.
    “As the future High Priestess, it is your responsibility to protect the kingdom in a unique way.  Historically, wars in Valcrest are not won solely with physical strength.  Even with all the power and might our kingdom’s knights and soldiers possess, it has never been enough to win.  That is why we need someone, like our High Priests and Priestesses, as a conduit for the power of Vesalys.  So in light of the events that took place in the woods the other day, I would like to prepare you in case such a day may come.” 
    Her excitement grew.  She would finally be more than just a healer.  Vienken smirked and kneeled down to open a wooden case he had brought with him.  Raiven was anxious to see what was in it. 
    “My dear, it is a well-known fact that in times of danger, the kingdom will rely on you for your combat magic, just as they relied on High Priestess Jezra during the old war forty years ago.”
    “I cannot wait to be as gifted as Jezra…” she trailed off as her eyes followed the spectacular war hammer Vienken lifted from the case. 
    He held it up for her to see and her eyes scanned over it in amazement.  The emerald encrusted handle was inscribed with ancient runes.