So, I'm trying to remember the name of this series I read as a child. I believe it was a trilogy, but I don't remember the fine points so I'll just give out random details and hope someone recognizes them.
The main character wins a crown at the very beginning of the book by beating someone at riddles. He can then use this crown to win the hand of a princess (her father promised her to whoever returned it to him). He then decides to travel north to see some master of ... something. But the master doesn't help him, because it's actually an impersonator. The real master is a harpist or something at the impersonator's court.
The second book involves these creatures coming from the sea that can take different shapes. The princess gets captured by them and as a result learns to change shape too.
The main man completes a variety of trials that get him a star-sword and other things, which basicly prove he's the heir to the master from the north. He also learns to take different shapes, or something like that.
The end of the series is when he fights the impersonator on top of a tower, and defeats him by taking the shape of wind. He lets the imposter live.
Anyways, I really don't remember many of the details, but I do remember loving the series. Is this ringing any bells with anyone?