searching for 5 years

[13out]

hey all,
I have been searching for this book for years. I have not title, author, date or anything other than what I remember of the story.
The story is set underground. the poeple are not allowed to the surface because it is a wasterland. The main character (ronin?) finds a gauntlet that is an animal paw or claw. He meets a magician of small stature, like a dwarf or something along those lines. He escapes through some sort of access hatch to the surface, which leads to an artic landscape, finds a boat and sails away to begin his adventure.
I know that does not help all that much. I think it is a series. This has been bugging me for some time now, like an itch I can't scratch!

Thanks in advance
James

[SoulThief]

Sounds like the Sunset Warrior cycle by Eric van Lustbader

ST

[13out]

Soulthief,
You have solved a problem that has been driving me crazy for years and for that I thank you. I am much relieved

[SoulThief]

My pleasure

ST