The Stoneways Trilogy
Book 1: Reiffen's Choice

Reiffen lives under constant threat of danger from his uncle, King Brannis, who wants to keep his lineage a secret. The 12-year-old prince is faced with an even greater threat, however, when he is kidnapped by a trio of wizards who plan to place him on the throne as their puppet. Subjected to both magical and psychological methods of persuasion, Reiffen must choose whether or not he will be a willing participant in the wizards' scheme. His rescuers, consisting of a dwarf, a shape-shifting bear, and two childhood friends, must travel through the cavernous underground world of the dwarves to reach him.