Book excerpt: The Resztaki continued their struggle for survival in the Korvak Wastes for thousands of years after their fall from power. Now, they are once again faced with extinction as the Deceiver and those corrupted by his touch attempt to finish what he started all those millennia ago. To combat this growing threat, the old gods have chosen a young, extraordinary warrior named Staszu as their champion to save the Resztaki. Having lost both his birth parents and foster parents, Staszu will have to learn to trust others and build relationships. More importantly, he must find a way to believe in himself.