The Crystal Shard

The Crystal Shard is the first book in the Icewind Dale Trilogy by R.A. Salvatore. It was later reissued as book four of the Legend of Drizzt series.

"Akar Kessel, a weak-willed apprentice mage sets in motion events leading to the rediscovery of the magical device, the crystal shard. But is it merely an inanimate device... or is it capable of directing the defeat of Ten-Towns?

Or have the barbarians already arranged for that themselves? Their brutal attack on the villages of Ten-Towns seals their fate, and that of the young barbarian Wulfgar. Left for dead, Wulfgar is rescued by the dwarf, Bruenor, in exchange for five years of service... and friendship. With the help of the dark elf, Drizzt, Bruenor reshapes Wulfgar into a warrior with both brawn and brains.

But is Wulfgar strong enough to reunite the barbarian tribes? Can an unorthodox dwarf and renegade dark elf persuade the people of Ten-Towns to put aside their petty differences in time to stave off the forces of the crystal shard?"

Summary
Akar Kessel, after killing his master, is thrown into the Spine of the World and left to die. He does not expect the crystal shard, which he finds in the snow from its heat, to give him greater powers, and even a huge fortress made of ice. Meanwhile deBernezan, having betrayed the people of Ten Towns, has joined the barbarians, providing them with critical information. In the battle with the towns, a young man, Wulfgar by name is injured. Bruenor Battlehammer takes him in and spares his life.