The Castes and the OutCastes Series by Davis Ashura

Two millennia ago She thundered into the skies of Arisa: Suwraith, a demon bent on Humanity's extinction. Into this world is born Rukh Shektan, a peerless young warrior from a Caste of warriors, devoted to the sanctity of his home and his way of life. He is well-versed in the keen language of swords but all his courage and skills may not save him. A challenge comes, one that threatens all he once thought true and puts at risk all he holds dear... moreTwo millennia ago She thundered into the skies of Arisa: Suwraith, a demon bent on Humanity's extinction. Into this world is born Rukh Shektan, a peerless young warrior from a Caste of warriors, devoted to the sanctity of his home and his way of life. He is well-versed in the keen language of swords but all his courage and skills may not save him. A challenge comes, one that threatens all he once thought true and puts at risk all he holds dear. And it will enter his life in the form of one of Humanity's greatest enemies - and perhaps its greatest allies. Worse, he will learn of Suwraith's plans. The Sorrow Bringer has dread intentions for his home. The city of Ashoka is to be razed and her people slaughtered. less

Alternate Cover Edition for ISBN-10: 099112765X / ISBN-13: 9780991127658."The redemption of the fallen man is neither easy nor quick. It is fraught with hardship and loss, and those who seek to aid someone traveling this twisted path might do best to journey ahead and light the way." (The Word and the Deed)Rukh Shektan has lost everything: his home, his standing, and his future... moreAlternate Cover Edition for ISBN-10: 099112765X / ISBN-13: 9780991127658."The redemption of the fallen man is neither easy nor quick. It is fraught with hardship and loss, and those who seek to aid someone traveling this twisted path might do best to journey ahead and light the way." (The Word and the Deed)Rukh Shektan has lost everything: his home, his standing, and his future. He must journey with Jessira to reach her mountain home, the OutCaste city of Stronghold, before winter's icy snow and winds bar all passages. Their travels test Rukh's will and hope as Chimeras hound their footsteps, but the most difficult challenge proves to be Stronghold itself. The city is not as Jessira described.Rector Bryce and Mira Terrell form a reluctant alliance. A secret from his family's past threatens Rector, forcing him to do the bidding of Dar'El Shektan, the ruling 'El whom Rector had betrayed. Rector and Mira seek the means to bring down House Shektan's most bitter rival, Hal'El Wrestiva, the man responsible for Rukh's banishment. Meanwhile, Bree and Jaresh continue their search for the Sil Lor Kum. Their hunt brings them closer to the truth. Danger lurks, and the Withering Knife murders continue. And unbeknownst to them, Hal'El Wrestiva, the SuDin of the Sil Lor Kum, furthers his own intentions.Above the clouds, watching the world is Suwraith. Her clouded mind is clear for the first time in millennia, and She makes Her own plans. The Sorrow Bringer has learned of Stronghold's existence. less

The thunderous conclusion to the award-winning fantasy epic…Following Stronghold’s destruction, Rukh and Jessira lead the ragged remnants of the OutCastes on the long march to Ashoka. There, they seek sanctuary for her people, but in order to do so, they must overcome unyielding law that demands exile for all ghrinas.Meanwhile, Hal’El Wrestiva—exposed and reviled as the Withering Knife murderer—escapes from Ashoka and hatches one final scheme to resuscitate his soiled reputation... moreThe thunderous conclusion to the award-winning fantasy epic…Following Stronghold’s destruction, Rukh and Jessira lead the ragged remnants of the OutCastes on the long march to Ashoka. There, they seek sanctuary for her people, but in order to do so, they must overcome unyielding law that demands exile for all ghrinas.Meanwhile, Hal’El Wrestiva—exposed and reviled as the Withering Knife murderer—escapes from Ashoka and hatches one final scheme to resuscitate his soiled reputation. The Virtuous, a newly formed organization full of certitude and strife, plots the destruction of House Shektan. And Li-Choke and the Baels launch a final, desperate plan to save their kind as well as all of Humanity.But it is Rukh who must confront the harshest of choices. It is one that will cost him everything he loves but might also see to the salvation of his home. He cannot falter for Suwraith has once again turned Her ruinous intentions toward Ashoka. less