Wintertome — Rick Nichols

Cain, a warrior from a far eastern land, and wielder of a black sword that identifies him as a Blademaster, arrives at the city of Karthia, on the edge of the vast Korrin Empire on a mission. Cain is searching for one of his own and, since his purse is nearly empty, agrees to undertake a mission to retrieve a mysterious scroll. Called Wintertome, it contains dark magic that, if in the wrong hands, could destroy the empire. With the help of a thief and a beautiful warrior-woman, Cain must dodge mercenaries, bandits, thieves, and doublecrosses to bring Wintertome to safe hands. Or are they?