The Effects of Power

Power can corrupt. Several of the characters of this novel have power in various forms. Each power has a negative or positive effect on events. Some of the characters receive power from supernatural sources, while the powers wielded by others are given by man. Regardless of the source, it is clear that most characters struggle with the responsibilities and the corrupting influence of their unique power. Some do manage to overcome the temptation.

Owen Kiskaddon is the hero of the novel and he is among the characters who are Fountain-blessed. The characters who are Fountain-blessed typically have the ability to direct others to specific actions. For example, the king of Ceredigion, Severn, has the ability to convince others to do what he says simply by touching them. Severn gives others a sense of peace and makes them want to follow his instructions. Severn...