Victoria's Grave: Calthoria Chronicles, #3

By Craig A. Price Jr.

War or love…
 
… the choice could leave Searon to an early grave …
 
… or a grave for the ones he loves.

Searon was the captain of Legain, and led their army into countless battles, but inside, his heart was empty. He knew he was meant for something greater.
 
When tasked with destroying a nearby village, he finds himself fighting his duty and what he believes to be right. Searon's choice won't only affect the people around him, but his own soul. Does he have enough strength to make the right choice?

You'll love this tale of an ordinary warrior making the decision to be a coward or a hero, because we all wonder what we would choose if given the choice.
 
Buy Victoria's Grave now! You don't want to miss this epic fantasy adventure!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Craig Price
• Release date: Oct 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393835295

Book preview

Chapter One

In a lone field of charred ashes a warrior stood alone, his battered silver and crimson helm wedged between his elbow and ribcage, his claymore secured in its scabbard, and tears cascading down his grimy face. He tossed his thick brown locks away from his eyes, fell to his knees shouting, his hands turned purple as they clutched at the ruby gemmed hilt, and he stared unblinkingly at the fresh tomb standing before him. The names were chiseled with his now dull dagger that lay on the ground in front of the grave. Memories of the fresh deaths tormented and haunted his thoughts, his dreams, and his nightmares, making him unable to concentrate on anything else—lost in thought of chaos and misery.

His name was Searon, and he was once a great warrior that everyone feared. That was in simpler times, back when it was only humans opposing humans. He often remembered the battles that had been won by his hand. People once praised him for his skill and eventually claimed him as their captain. He did not wish for them to, but he didn’t deny the position. Back then he led many to victory against man and creature, but that was before he met her.

A single tear drop fell from his eyelash onto his cheek and he quickly wiped it away. It was an old tear, one that had lingered, and not a fresh one. He had shed all the tears his life was meant for on that day. It was the first tears he ever experienced. Searon never knew he could hold so much pain. The agony of it was unreal and he had never experienced anything so brutal before. Sure, he was a warrior, and a great one at that. He had his shares of cuts, scratches, and even sprained bones. Those flesh wounds were nothing in comparison to the emotional wounds scarring him now.

His gaze didn’t move from the grave before him. The shovel lay next to it, still full of fresh dirt. He had dropped it after filling the deep hole he had dug. At least the fresh smell of wet dirt outweighed the smell of freshly dripped blood. He shivered at the thought. It was a rare occasion that he ever shivered. His green eyes full of swirls and dread, closed tightly before opening again. Still, no more tears fell. It seemed that he was dried up. He still felt the pain and memory haunting at him.

He remembered the first time he had seen her, his love. They called him the captain of Legain and they attacked the city of Tiermera. Tiermera had sent mercenaries into Legain who sabotaged and stole their food supply. There was little forgiveness for the city of Legain, especially with the arrogant Constable, and they placed Searon in charge of storming the city of Tiermera with an army of warriors at his side. He remembered the battle well as it was his last; at least he promised himself that it would be. Storming the city, they left no male survivors. Every warrior and every man that bared arms, Searon and his men struck down. His head swirled in an array of memories…both good memories, and bad.

Chapter Two

Searon strode into The Whispering Donkey, pushing his scarlet cape around his shoulder and holding onto the pommel of his claymore. The patrons turned in their seats to glance at him before continuing to drown their throats. Searon made his way over to the barkeep. Setting three silver coins on the bar, he sat on a stool and put his hands beside the coins. Sighing, he removed his helm and set it on the bar next to him. The barkeep slid over a glass