The Wisdom of Fools (The Tales of Remnas #5)

A Genius with Secrets
A scholar on a mission travels far from her home in the frozen north of Remnas to the ogre stronghold, the River Kingdoms, in search of the Magefolk’s lost spells. Disgraced by scandal and cast out of magician society, Johenna's heart is as bitter as the icy winds that blow through her country. Pushed on by the certainty she has found clues leading to the forgotten workshop of a legendary mage, she braves the perils of the road alone. The dangers posed by bandits are nothing next to the darkness brewing in her heart. But a chance meeting grants her a protector willing to battle her enemies. Those within and without.
The Wise Fool
Brave to the point of recklessness, Vyke is a man with simple needs. Shunning riches and titles, the ogre warrior is happy with his lot so long as he has a battle to fight and a woman in his bed. Given the task by the Ogre King to hunt the outlaws that prey on travelers, he comes to the beautiful mage’s rescue just as she falls into their clutches. Johenna mistakes his carefree nature for foolhardiness. But Vyke soon wins her trust with his kindness, loyalty, and optimism. They become more than travelers on a quest as she discovers a warmth and affection in his embrace that she's never known in her staid life.
But, with every step closer to the mystic waterfall, signs point to a shadowy figure holding sway over the young magician. To save herself from its wicked sorcery, Johenna must listen with her heart to the wisdom of her fool and earn her salvation with selfless love. If she doesn't, all will be lost.