The Orphan Wars (Book One) by Shane Rowling

"From the information I've retrieved about Terazhul, it would appear that killing them is not his first priority.  He desires to use his magic of the forest to ensnare any life that is in the area and transfer the majority of it to himself slowly over time, making him more powerful.  If Terazhul were to kill anyone at this academy, it would mean that his power would be weakened.  However, you must know that there will be a point when all of the life force from a person will be drained and they will die."
    Nemeth removed his head from under his pillow and looked over to Jaida.
    "So you're telling me that my friends Bastilone and Aria might still be able to be saved?" asked Nemeth.
    "Yes!" said Jaida with confidence.  " As we speak, they are most likely entangled in plants and Terazhul is slowly draining their life force.  However, our window of time is very short.  I estimate that within one full day, those that are already getting their life drained from them will die."
    "So they can be saved! " exclaimed Nemeth.  "I can save them and we can all go on a quest to search for our families."
    "Absolutely master," replied Jaida.  "For someone who says they don't want responsibility, I don't believe it.  I sense a burning desire inside of you to help your friends and find everyone's families."
    "I forgot to mention something Jaida," said Nemeth.  "I don't know if anyone in my family is even alive.  No student at this academy knows if their family members are alive.  We were all told different stories.  Most of us were told that our families were killed and that's why we were brought into the academy.  I was told that my parents are dead but I no longer believe that to be the truth.  I know Guardian Spirits are supposed to be very wise and possess many unique abilities.  Are you able to tell if someone at all is alive in my family Jaida?"
    " No, I do not possess the power to do that," replied Jaida.  "Well, at least not now.  As you grow stronger, I grow stronger as well and gain new abilities.  I will always be by your side when you go searching for your family.  But please believe me when I tell you that quest is for another time.  The Forestial Corruption spell's power is contained within the Black Orb that was created by Terazhul.  For now the quest at hand is for you to defeat Terazhul and Vulpes and to destroy the Black Orb at Serend Lake."
    "Alright then," said Nemeth.  "Terazhul and Vulpes are standing between me and what I want the most.  I'm going to do whatever it takes to defeat them.  When I'm done killing them, it's going to look like a war zone!"
    "We must get ready and go soon," replied Jaida.  "Master, do you have any further questions for me?"
    "Yes, there's been something on my mind that I'm puzzled about," answered Nemeth.  "If Terazhul is so incredibly powerful, then how did we manage to escape from Serend Lake?"
    Nemeth wiped the tears from his face and listened closely to Jaida.
    "Allow me to explain master," replied Jaida.  "Do you remember the bright flash of light back at the lake?"
    "How could anyone forget that?" asked Nemeth.  "I've never seen something like that before.  It was like a bad night turned into a beautiful day for just a moment."
    "Get used to seeing that bright flash of light," replied Jaida.  "The bright flash of light is a result of when I cast one of my magical spells called the Sunburst Lullaby.  For most creatures, once they are hit by the spell, they are unable to move for about 15 seconds.  They also become invulnerable to any damage when they are feeling the effects of the spell.  That gave us just enough time to run out of the Serend Lake area away from the Black Orb and Terazhul.  Terazhul is the Keeper of the Forest and thus his magic thrives on anything related to the forest.  There were far too many trees in that area, so I wanted us to head out into an open field.  Out in the open field, Terazhul's powers are much more limited.  We're lucky