From what I can remember it starts with a young man rescuing a girl from some kind of creature attacking her on a trail near his home.  I then seem to recall the man is taken captive by a dwarf who is hanging with some bad creatures.  The dwarf is like an outcast. 

Gosh I know this is slim but I can't really recall much.  Not even sure if  both these come from  the same story. 

I seem to think the young man was raised by someone who is not really his father although he doesn't know that. But the outcast dwarf taking the young man prisoner to exchange him for something is what I remember most.

Seems like I had read this about 5 years ago at least.

Slim thoughts to go on but any hints would be welcome.

Sounds a little like Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind except the dwarf might be a small wizard - but that's the closest that I can get. Sorry!

I asked Hubby and this is the only one either one of could think was close

deborah

3rd time for Wizard's First Rule. I can't think of anything else similar.