This sounds to me like the Dreamtime trilogy by Stan Nicholls. The swordsman is Reeth not Reese. In the first book, The Covenant Rising we meet Reeth early on:
‘Well met, Kutch, even if I’ve come at your time of trouble. I’m Reeth Caldason.’
Recognition dawned on the lad and he gawked at the stranger, saucer-eyed.‘
‘The Reeth Caldason?’
The mage Phoenix is the leader of a group called the Covenant:
‘What do you know about their leader?’ Caldason asked, perhaps to distract him.
‘Phoenix?’ Kutch bucked up a little. ‘Probably no more than you’ve heard yourself. You know; that he, or she, is somebody with great skill in the Craft, and can’t be caught. Can’t be killed either.’
‘How can that be?’ Caldason said, real interest in his eyes.
‘What does it matter? The important thing is that Covenant could be your best chance of aid. They don’t just have the magic, Reeth. They’re patriots, and they oppose Gath Tampoor. Which means they’re a thorn in the paladins’ side. Makes you natural allies, I’d say.
Later on we encounter the spotters:
‘I believe you could be a spotter.’
Kutch didn’t speak. But his face told a story of puzzlement and disbelief.
‘Is somebody going to tell me what a spotter is?’ Caldason asked. ‘And what the hell’s magical sensing?’
Phoenix smiled. ‘Magic gives off a distinctive psychic aroma, for those who can detect it. Such people are very few, and the skill is a birthright; it can’t be taught. The way in which these sensitives perceive the gist of magic varies. Rarest is the gift of spotting. A spotter can see through magic, literally. They can tell glamour from reality, no matter how sophisticated or expensive the spell. It’s an incredibly uncommon ability.’
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