Book with reptiles and a hole in the sky

Years ago, I started reading a sci-fi/fantasy book that started with a bunch of people on some world dying in a war. There was this big hole in the sky that was eating people's souls and a reptile guy was working for the king wearing robes. I think everyone was a reptile but it could have just been the enemies. They all get their souls eaten and then it goes to a different world where the main character is a young man. He is having to help prepare because some duke or earl is coming through town. The duke or earl is actually his father. That's all I can remember but it has been bugging me. I think there was the word sword in the title? I don't know for sure. Thanks!