"Magic's Pawn" is a fantasy novel by Mercedes Lackey, part of the Valdemar series. It follows the story of Vanyel Ashkevron, a young man with powerful magical abilities who struggles with his identity and the expectations placed upon him. As he navigates his relationships and the challenges of his powers, Vanyel discovers the importance of love and friendship. The novel explores themes of acceptance, self-discovery, and the consequences of power. Vanyel's journey is marked by his bond with Companions, magical creatures that choose their partners, and his encounters with various characters that shape his destiny in the world of Valdemar.