Magic Steps (The Circle Opens)

is book #1 of The Circle Opens.
==Book Description==
Lady Sandrilene fa Toren is a noble girl whose thread magic wove together the power - and the personal bonds - of four young magicians. Now, Lady Sandrilene is on her own and saddled with teaching magic to a restless boy, safeguarding her uncle's health, and tracking down a brutal murderer.
(Description from paperbackswap.com)