They named him Thorn. They told him he was of their people, although he was so different. He was ugly in their eyes, strange, sleek-skinned instead of furred, clawless, different. Yet he was of their power class: judge-warriors, the elite, the fighters, the defenders. Thorn knew that his difference was somehow very important -- but not important enough to prevent murderous conspiracies against him, against his protector, against his caste, and perhaps against the peace of the world. But when the crunch came, when Thorn finally learned what his true role in life was to be, that on him might hang the future of two worlds, then he had to stand alone to justify his very existence.
An excellent story of an alien race - - - Cherryh has a knack for alien cultures and races that are believable, and that unfold comfortably within the story - - - and an orphaned human baby boy. He (Thorn) is raised by a foster father of the alien race, and not just any alien either. Dunn is hatani - - - mystic, warrior, guardian and judge.
