King of Ashes by Raymond E. Feist. Book One of The Firemane Saga.

The first volume in legendary master and New York Times bestselling author Raymond E. Feists epic heroic fantasy series, The Firemane Sagaan electrifying tale of two young men whose choices will determine a worlds destiny.

For centuries, the five greatest kingdoms of North and South Tembria, twin continents on the world of Garn, have coexisted in peace. But the balance of power is destroyed when four of the kingdoms violate an ancient covenant and betray the fifth: Ithrace, the Kingdom of Flames, ruled by Steveren Langene, known as "the Firemane" for his brilliant red hair. As war engulfs the world, Ithrace is destroyed and the Greater Realms of Tembria are thrust into a dangerous struggle for supremacy.

As a Free Lord, Baron Daylon Dumarch owes allegiance to no king. When an abandoned infant is found hidden in Daylons pavilion, he realizes that the child must be the missing heir of the slain Steveren. The boy is valuableand vulnerable. A cunning and patient man, Daylon decides to keep the babys existence secret, and sends him to be raised on the Island of Coaltachin, home of the so-called Kingdom of Night, where the powerful and lethal Nocusara, the "Hidden Warriors," legendary assassins and spies, are trained.

Years later, another orphan of mysterious provenance, a young man named Declan, earns his Masters rank as a weapons smith. Blessed with intelligence and skill, he unlocks the secret to forging Kings Steel, the apex of a weapon makers trade known by very few. Yet this precious knowledge is also deadly, and Declan is forced to leave his home to safeguard his life. Landing in Lord Daylons provinces, he hopes to start anew.

Soon, the two young menan unknowing rightful heir to a throne and a brilliantly talented young swordsmithwill discover that their fates, and that of Garn, are entwined. The legendary, long-ago War of Betrayal has never truly ended . . . and they must discover the secret of who truly threatens their world.