Hilia's Words — Robert L. Collins

Hilia is a village girl of Bacaria, daughter of a blacksmith. Her interest in reading brings her to the local ruler. He teaches her to read.One day she discovers a book on magic, a book no one else can read. This marks her as a magus, someone who can wield magic, a skill not seen in the generations since the fall of the Nuvum Empire.After she passes into womanhood she's called upon to use her blessing as a magus. This starts Hilia on her road as a magus, a fighter for justice, and an advocate for peace and cooperation.