Betrayal - Fiona McIntosh

Deep in the folklore of Tallinore lies a dark story of betrayal and destruction, the story of a powerful sentient called Orlac who once razed the famed city of Caremboche, and almost destroyed the entire Land ...

Now, all sentients are feared and, once discovered, subjected to the barbaric practices of bridling and branding. But in a village far from the royal city, a young man, Tor Gynt, blazes with great power and healing abilities. In order to fulfil his destiny, Tor must leave his home - and his love, Alyssa - to become apprentice to the royal physic.

The trouble is, Tor has no idea how important he actually is. His only guides are a man who is no longer a man and a mysterious woman who appears to him in his dreams. Aware of the magnitude of his powers but unsure to what end he is to use them, Tor embarks on a journey that will test his courage and his heart; a journey that can only end in triumph or betrayal.