The Quest for Friendship — Tina Moss

Twelve-year old Vendrey has not thought much of the war which has raged on the borders of his small annexed country of Riandet since before he was born. He and his friends, Aramin and Diaedra, are too busy studying to be Spell-Singers, a rare and elite form of sorcerer able to cast their spells upon strains of music, and avoiding school bullies like Purvic Lanks. Though Vendrey would prefer learning to make swords like his father, he is happy enough in the famous Scarlet Academy, until a terrible accident involving his best friend Aramin coincides with an unexpected visit from the sinister Prime Chancellor. To save Aramin's life, Vendrey and Diaedra must sneak him out of the academy against the Chancellor's orders and flee into enemy territory, searching for an elusive cure while trying to keep one step ahead of the Chancellor and his notorious Guard. Suddenly, the war is a lot closer than any of them realized.