The Raven Thief
Born of the wastelands, Spheris Arnadel, a young skilled thief, finds himself subject to a twist of fate when he steals a powerful relic and becomes a Bearer — humans gifted with powers from the Gods. As a punishment for his theft, he is cast into an otherworldly realm alongside other Bearers, where he faces off against monstrous beasts and powerful enemies. Yet, in his determination to return to the Continent and save his dying mother, Spheris is hell-bent on surviving the abyssal world. Even if it means giving his body to the Dark God whose powers he had stolen... even if it means losing all of his humanity.
• Matter Of Duty
Lirael squinted at the marshal, then let out a thoughtful "Oohhhh" with her head nodding slightly. "He recognizes you, Silverskin."
The nurse turned to the marshal. "Do you know this boy?"
"Do I know him?" the marshal still sounded flabbergasted. "That's the kid that I chased through corridors and stairs back in the bastion. That's our Representative."
The nurse returned her gaze to Spheris. There was still a scowl on it, although the present one was less disdainful and more apprehensive. "So you are the one who stole the place of our Prince."
Spheris didn't regard her with words.
"Is that what you're worried about, nurse? He actually made it out alive, along with the other Representatives. This means that we're winners as well. Our Wing claims the favor of the Gods. The Second Wing stands alone!"
The marshal had a look of relief and joy on his face. Spheris sent a feeling of loyalty and a sense of debt from his shadow.