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.
• Spider Parable (2)
For a second, a glint of mischief shone in the eyes of the Lord of the Academy, and his lips twitched in what might have been the ghost of a smile.
He'd always respected Gladdeus Smallbutter, a man of his stature rising to the greatness that belied his comical height. He knew the value the [Master of Forms] brought to his distinguished Academy and that was the main reason he kept him around.
However, Daligarth couldn't deny that the Dean's curiosity and intelligence was starting to become a pestering issue. Though he entertained it at times, other times — such as present, he found it gravely annoying.
"It was not a matter of power, Gladdeus. It isn't always. It is a matter of timing. There is always a right moment to act… and a moment to refrain." He rose from his chair, pacing to the large round window as he continued, his back to Smallbutter.
"I do not have any desire to sample my Power for the eyes of the Students just to stop a desperate boy."