Duty and Devotion

By Shaun Kilgore

First-Commander Wilam Asherd is stationed the southern lands of Trellayn, part of the royal army. He has committed his whole life to the military and has served wherever the Banner of the Golden Tree has commanded. But one other has his loyalty: the Lady Selena, his betrothed. Somehow, Wilam must find the balance of 'Duty and Devotion.'

• Language: English
• Publisher: Founders House Publishing LLC
• Release date: Apr 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9780463791127

Shaun Kilgore

Shaun Kilgore is the author of various works of fantasy, science fiction, and a number of nonfiction works. His books appear in both print and ebook editions. He has also published numerous short stories and collections. Shaun is the editor of MYTHIC: A Quarterly Science Fiction & Fantasy Magazine. He lives in eastern Illinois.

Book preview

Duty and Devotion

Shaun Kilgore

The armies of the south were awaiting a clearer picture of the surrounding countryside. Their aim was to move on from the fortress of Lord Oralin of Rodan but this was impeded in every possible way. The transporting of nearly ten thousand men and light cavalry was no small matter, especially in the relentless storms and flooding of the southern springtime. The muddy waters of the Gadromad River had swollen in the heavy rains of the past week to overflow its banks and flood the lowlands surrounding the town, effectively boxing the army in. The river, laying a scant half-mile to the south and quite visible from the ramparts of the fortress, formed the southern border of Trellayn. To the man leaning upon the cold stonewalls, the clear blue skies were a welcome change. The rains had ceased only yesterday, leaving the land saturated and a damp chill in the air that sliced through the thick woolen cloak the man held closely. Even with the heavy green wool of his coat and gray breeches and the sturdy leather of his riding boots, the chill penetrated to the bone. It would be a chance to contemplate leaving Rodan and the southlands behind for the midland city of Norbenshire. There were many things to decide in fact.

First-Commander Wilam Asherd shivered when a gust of wind blew across the exposed battlement and for the second time that morning he started inside to find and speak to the captain. Yet again, he hesitated, a step away from the door. His crystal blue eyes were deep pools of reflection. Another gust of wind blew through his short-cropped hair, shifting the straw-colored bristles about. It was enough to firm his resolve. He pulled the door open and stepped through, leaving the biting cold behind only to enter the damp interior of the ancient fortress. A winding staircase angled downward into murky recesses poorly lit by rush torches. Each step Wilam took was hesitant; the surface of the case was slick with moisture. The last thing he wanted