Valdemar Series by Mercedes Lackey

Mercedes Lackey's triumphant return to the best-selling world of Valdemar, Take a Thief reveals the untold story of Skif--a popular character from Lackey's first published novel, Arrows of the Queen . Skif was an orphan who would have died from malnutrition and exposure if he had never met Deke the pickpocket.   By the time he was twelve, Skif was an accomplished cat burglar... moreMercedes Lackey's triumphant return to the best-selling world of Valdemar, Take a Thief reveals the untold story of Skif--a popular character from Lackey's first published novel, Arrows of the Queen . Skif was an orphan who would have died from malnutrition and exposure if he had never met Deke the pickpocket.   By the time he was twelve, Skif was an accomplished cat burglar.   But it wasn't until he decided to steal a finely tacked-out white horse, which was, oddly enough, standing unattended in the street, that this young thief discovered that the tables could turn on him--and that he himself could be stolen! less

His name is Lavan Firestorm, a young man blessed—and cursed—with a special talent for firestarting. His legend has haunted the darkest corners of Valdemar, yet the truth has never been told. Here, at last, is his story.