Sticks & Stones

His five Masters have contrived that peace for him at great risk. The world they know is growing dark. Politics and intrigue rule. Reality is defined by the Guilds, whose purpose once was to serve, but who now serve only themselves. The Guilds would destroy the child if they could, for Steef possesses an unheard of ability to wield all seven Powers. If he reaches manhood, the Guilds will be his.

Steef's only defense is secrecy, and the only secret place left is a remote valley ruled by the long neglected HornCats. The HornCats are truly noble beasts, unfortunately all other creatures to them are...tasty.

To his Masters, Steef is even more frightening. Eager. Warm. Relentlessly curious. A perfect little boy...who can kill with a sneeze. Yet they must train him

The valley will not be tranquil for the Masters. If they succeed in maintaining their confidentiality, survive the HornCats and keep Steef from blowing himself up, then Steef might reach his eighteenth birthday.

And he just might want to come out of that valley.