Doing something difficult for the greater good
A major theme of Lightlark is doing something difficult for the greater good. Every 100 years, the rulers of different realms gather together for something called the "Centennial." There, they will duke it out with each other until one of the rulers has died. Although painful and not very fun, the rulers do it for the good of themselves and ultimately, the good of their kingdom (and those who live inside of it). After the Centennial is done and one ruler has been killed, harmony returns to villages. The curses are broken. Prosperity comes to many citizens in the villages of each ruler. All of that was possible because the rulers did something uncomfortable for them.
Fantasy
Lightlark is set on the eponymous land of Lightlark. Lightlark is a fantastical place in which good and bad magic exist, terrible curses plague the land, and cruel monsters wreak havoc on the world. Although Lightlark is a fantastical world, it is also grounded in reality. There are hardships and misfortunes that many villagers and their leaders must deal with. One fact remains, though: Lightlark is a novel that is a fantasy. There are things in it that don't exist and which are often too difficult to imagine existing in the real world. This adds to the energy and suspense and mystery of the novel.
Proving oneself
Part of the reason behind the Centennial is so that the leaders of each realm can prove themselves and prove their valor. It is only after they prove themselves and show that they are noble and worthy of their villages being saved. The Centennial is a lot like the gladiatorial games in Rome; those who are the most valiant and courageous win, as in Rome, tremendous riches.
