The Riddle-Master of Hed

Morgon is the prince of Hed, a land of plain farmers, and a master of riddles. He earned that title by risking his life against the dead Lord of Aum and winning a crown. In his world the wizards vanished long ago, and what they knew survives only inside riddles.

Now old and evil forces have taken an interest in him. Shape changers begin to stand in for people he knows, until no one can be taken at face value. Morgon has to leave home and cross into kingdoms that do not welcome him, aiming for Erlenstar Mountain, where the High One rules.

The Harper Deth, the High One's own Harper, travels with him. The road brings strange encounters and dangerous adventures. Morgon also carries a puzzle he cannot answer: three stars on his forehead, which seem to push him toward a destiny he does not understand.

This is high fantasy and the first book of the Quest of the Riddle-Master trilogy. It is a quest story built around questions and hidden knowledge, with a hero who is hunted and short of allies, and an atmosphere of growing distrust.