The sum of all men by David Farland 1998 - The runelords

It is the eve of Hostenfest and effigies of the Earth King fill the streets. In this festive season, the young Runelord, Prince Gaborn Val Orden, has come seeking the alliance of marriage that will safeguard his people's future.

Far to the south - but not far enough - Raj Ahten, the Wolf Lord of Indhopal, moves through the land, his army destroying anything and anyone in his path. From the conquered he takes prizes, stealing their strength, their endurance, their wisdom, their most potent attributes. The Wolf Lord seems destined to bring all of humanity under his rule. Unless, after 2,000 years, the Earth King should rise again...