Gormenghast

Behold his birth, a brand new Earl, the Guardian of the Halls of Groan, yet 'til he reach the age of seven his father Sepulchrave will own the ritual and the royal robes of office o'er this shadowed realm, 'til Titus, as is writ in stone, shall supersede him at the helm. Yet all the while another boy has set his sights on majesty, Steerpike, lowly kitchen hand, who's out to foil this sovereignty. A narrow-shouldered, evil lad with schemes to murder and to burn, to render chaos, anarchy and withal the throne to earn. The library engulfed in flames, Lord Sepulchrave's most favour'd spot, his sisters Cora, Clarice too, locked in their rooms and left to rot. Barquentine, who minds the Books 'til Titus is to come of age, succumbs to death at Steerpike's hand, fated to drown, the trusty sage. The faithful old retainer, Flay, is banish'd by this lad's design, and Swelter, Master Chef, is slain, no longer will he cook or dine. The Lady Fuschia, Titus' sister, fooled by Steerpike's boyish charm, confused, beguil'd by serpent's eyes, she could not keep herself from harm. It fell to Titus to engage this devil with a devil's rage; in mortal combat he did strive, one of few men left alive. Though Master of the Sacred Halls, he's overcome with woe and grief; alone and with a saddened heart he quits his home, it's time to leave.