The Portals of Spring — Nathan B. Dodge

David Blackthorn, the scion of a powerful family of the Northern Republic, has discovered a great potential to harness God's Power, a capability that supposedly only priests can possess. So he travels to the land of the Chanche, to ask for their help in controlling his new-found ability.

But in Akzo, the "city of cities" of the Chanche, he is advised that only Ques, a recluse living high in the mountains, can train him. David undertakes a harrowing journey, beset by enemies, to reach Ques. He is prepared to undergo training for as long as it takes to master the Power in order to defeat the deadly Elitos, who threaten both the Chanche and his native land in the plains.

There is just one problem: The training will be every bit as dangerous as the Power itself.