Legends of Windemere: Curse of the Dark Wind by Charles E. Yallowitz

http://www.amazon.com/Curse-Dark-Wind-Legends-Windemere-ebook/dp/B00QW8UBG2

Taking place several months after the battles in Gaia and on the Island of Pallice, Legends of Windemere: Curse of the Dark Wind continues the adventures of our heroes. Filled with the action, magic, and drama of its predecessors, the sixth installment of this fantasy series will have you reading into the morning hours.

With the Compass Key directing the champions to the north, Luke Callindor is determined to defeat the challenges within his temple. He has never backed down from danger and has always found the strength to battle against harrowing odds. So when he is infected by the Dark Wind that is causing an epidemic, the young warrior and his friends are at a loss on what to do next. He barely has the strength to walk much less fight, which makes Luke an easy target for their enemies. It will take every trick that his friends can think of to keep him alive including the forging of a bond between the young warrior and his oldest ally. Can Luke muster enough strength to expel the living curse from his body or will he be forced to challenge his temple during his weakest hour?
For the entire series, Luke Callindor has depended on his courage and abilities to help him defend others without hesitation. This is the first time he has been reduced to being so helpless that he cannot defend himself. He does try to maintain his bravado and continue being a reckless hero, but the Dark Wind has turned him into a shadow of his former self. With this story, Luke passes through a wide range of emotions that range from empowering determination to childish frustration.

The situation is difficult not only for Luke, but for all of his friends who now realize how much inspiration they take from his bravery. To all of them, it is unnatural to see their friend like this and the other champions, especially Nyx, all come off as lost and confused because he is not driving the action forward with his usual recklessness. Also with the knowledge that at least one of them will die during their final battle, this adventure causes everyone to face the possibility of not only losing a friend, but being one of the survivors.

Legends of Windemere: Curse of the Dark Wind leads to a lot of evolution of character relationships and a rise of maturity in Luke since he is forced to consider that he might be the weak link among his friends. These changes become even more evident when the truth behind the Dark Wind is revealed.

Coming in April 2015, Legends of Windemere: Sleeper of the Wildwood Fugue !