The Streets of Li Syval — Kenneth McDonald

This novella-length story is the first installment in a new series set within the “Forgotten Lore” world. Aris, Nails, and Ferret are three young people who have grown up in the poor South Docks district of the island city of Li Syval. The three must help each other to survive and succeed in a place where family connections are everything, and life for those without them is cheap and a constant struggle.The Leconta are just one of the many middling houses that are constantly striving to make their way up toward the exalted ranks of the Fifty Families. Stefan Leconta, the young heir of the house, just wants to enjoy life and has no interest in taking on the responsibilities of his station. But both the Leconta and the three young friends from the city’s slums find themselves brushing up against a darker mystery hidden beneath the surface of the harsh world of Li Syval, one that combines magic and secrets to pose a threat that may endanger not just their lives, but the bond that holds them together.