Heretic: The Life of A Witch Hunter by Clifford Beck

It is one hundred years after the black death and with Europe still in ruins, many continue to die. Now, no longer able to feed their only child, Aiden Selwyn's parents are forced to give him up and three days walk through the English countryside, they arrive at isolated monestery. The abbot takes him in without hesitation, but all is not as it seems and after reaching adulthood, Aiden discovers their true intentions.

Having made a daring escape, he wanders the countryside, committed to doing what he believes is God's work. But, death is an ever-present companion and Aiden reaches the conclusion that he is no longer able to accept the consequences of his obligation to God. It is at this point that the course of his life takes a sudden turn when he meets Aelianna, a beautiful black haired woman living alone in the woods. And after suspecting her to be a practitioner of the black arts, he suspends his judgement long enough to fall in love with her.

For a time, life is idyllic and Aiden has finally found peace. But, the evil he has discovered to also be inherent in people finds them out, testing both his strength as well as his deep love for Aelianna. Heretic is a story of the things that can sometimes scar ones life. It is a story of resolve and transformation. That even the most misguided can be reborn with a new sense of purpose.