Helliconia Spring

In the beginning, a solitary lad, Yuli, sets out from the icy barriers after his father has been captured by phagors. Yuli enters the priesthood of an underworld where darkness is holy and holiness has power over individuals. He learns of warrior mystics called Keepers and of an even more secretive elite, the lascivious Takers. Through trials and wonders, he works his way back to the world of day to found a city called Oldorando, where his descendants recall his name because he rejected his faith in favour of his people.