Shadeborn

"'You cannot win, whatever you might do here. Word of your coming has likely already reached the Mystics' ears. They will find you and crush you in your infancy before your plans ever bear fruit.' All of Rogen's false courtesy vanished in an instant. He had the look of a brute then, but his eyes were bright, and filled with a dark wisdom that frightened Loren all the more. 'You think we are new to this kingdom? I drew blood before you first drew breath. I serve death itself. I am Shadeborn'." -- Book jacket.