Futility of Defense

September 18, 2023

Futility of Defense

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Bryan Cole will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Paladins are nothing but trouble. When Krell, an uneducated nobody with a stubborn streak as wide as the sea, hears the call from ReckNor, the capricious god of the seas and skies, the attention of the rich and powerful turn their gaze toward him. Paladins are notorious for upsetting the balance of power, to the detriment of any who don't worship their deity.

When Krell stands against the might of the sea devils and emerges victorious, concern and interest turn to fear—fear of their secrets and plans being revealed and exposed, of the ruin that often follows in a paladin's wake. Now he stands in defense of a pitiful town at the edge of nowhere, even as the sea devil menace grows more dire for each day that passes.

For as deadly as the sea devils are to Krell, his past choices and the consequences of his actions may be deadlier still . . .

Read an Excerpt

Marlena, Dahlia, Verbena, and Dorn were chatting with one another, discussing the weather and talking about the large trader making its way into Watford. Krell had nudged Sheana, and they fell back a bit, so they could talk out of earshot of the others.

Sheana glanced at him when he didn’t say anything, raising an eyebrow. Krell glanced at her, then looked away. She snorted a laugh.

“If you don’t want to talk to me, then why did you separate me from the others?” she asked.

Krell frowned and looked at her again before turning away.

“Hmm. I haven’t seen you like this before,” she said.

Krell nodded.

“Not sure how to say what you want to say? Or is it you don’t know what you want to say?”

Krell glanced at her, then looked back at the path.

Sheana chuckled. “Dahlia is listening to us. Have you noticed?”

Krell looked at Dahlia, who was walking ahead with the group. With them, but slightly behind. Her body was turned slightly. Fortis flew overhead, clearly enjoying the breeze.

“I hadn’t,” said Krell.

“Yes, we know. You aren’t the most observant person. Except when it comes to danger. Then you seem almost magically aware, and I mean that in the literal sense. I think ReckNor wants to keep you alive for some reason!” Her tone was light and jovial.

Krell shook his head. “It’s, well, about yesterday,” he said.

“Hmm, I figured that part out on my own.”

“I just… I don’t want you to be afraid of me.”

“Stop being so good with the sword, set aside those useful paladin powers, and demonstrate how weak and lazy you are. Also incompetent, show me you’re incompetent. Then I’ll stop being afraid of you,” she said. “Maybe grow fat, so walking up the hill to the temple nearly kills you.”

Krell looked at her. Her emerald eyes were dancing in mirth, her lips pinched in an effort to not smile. “Also, shrink three inches in height!”

“You were ready for this talk,” he said.