The Guest Rites

On the desert world of Carthule, First Priest Marik wrestles with a faith shaken by the revelation that humanity is not alone in the universe. When he spots a lone Earthman wandering the sands, he sends his young acolyte Kenra Sarg to bring the stranger under the protection of the sacred Guest Rite, a law of hospitality so absolute it overrides all other obligations. The rescued visitor is small, talkative, and eager to depart, but Marik senses unease beneath his gratitude. That unease becomes crisis when Polla San arrives with terrible news: an Earthman who once stayed at his temple stole the sacred eye from the statue of Carthule, the priceless center of their religion. Marik realizes the thief is the same man now sleeping within his walls. Caught between justice and holy obligation, the priests face a devastating dilemma—how to protect an inviolable guest who has already desecrated their faith. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.