The Paladin's Sin: The Paladin's Sin, #1

By Jessica Kemery

He took a solemn oath to protect the King. But will his heart lead him down a deadly path?

 

Rordan was sent to the Temple at a young age to learn the holy magic the King holds so dear. He has spent his life walking the path of a holy paladin knight. As he begins his service to the King, he must give up his desire for a normal life. But when he falls in love with the King's daughter, her furious father demands his head.

 

Escaping the axe at the last moment, Rordan and the princess are cast out of the kingdom with nothing but love, a rickety cart, and an old mare. Traveling through dangerous woods, they must make it to the border before the Temple finds them and delivers their punishment to the oathbreaker.

 

Will the pair's decision to blaze a new path and forge their own destiny lead to a dead end?

 

The Paladin's Sin is the sword-slashing first book in The Paladin's Sin fantasy series. If you like engaging characters, thrilling adventures, and a dash of romance, you'll adore Jessica Kemery's battle for atonement.

 

Read The Paladin's Sin to embrace the most powerful magic today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessica Kemery
• Release date: Oct 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9798473208092

Jessica Kemery

Called by some a multi-tasking ninja, Jessica Kemery lives in Crystal Lake, Illinois, where she works a day job so that her dog, Rocky, can live a life of pampered luxury. The Hobbit is the first book she read, and she has been searching for dragons ever since. She has two teenagers who firmly believe their mother is slightly unhinged and roll their eyes every time she starts playing the greatest hits of the '80s. She also has a husband who dreams of becoming her business manager one day when she "makes it big." Powered by caffeine and the bare minimum of sleep on a nightly basis, she thinks the world's greatest invention is meal delivery services.

Book preview

OATH OF THE TEMPLE KNIGHT

I swear upon this cross that I will take no wife, hold no lands, and serve my God and kingdom faithfully until my end of days.

1

DISGRACED

Rordan Armond was disgraced. He was thrown before King Corcoran, whipped and beaten. Only the pleas of Princess Viola to her father had saved him.  

As a paladin, Rordan had taken a vow of celibacy. He had vowed to serve the king and his holy order until the end of his natural life. Paladin magic was King Corcoran's most powerful weapon, and the power of the Temple was feared throughout the continent.

At the age of six, his father, Lord Daniel Armond, had sent him, his third son, to the Temple. Rordan had shown some magical ability, which was a rare thing. It gave the family great prestige and favor with the church to send a son to the Temple. Once a child was accepted for training, he was obligated to the church for life. He could neither take a wife nor own lands. One had to have an abundance of sons to give one up.

Rordan had trained diligently, becoming one of the best magic wielders at the Temple. By the time he had become a paladin, at the early age of eighteen, he had earned the respect of his peers and teachers. Rordan Armond had spent his entire life training in mystical magic and had been sent from his order to the king on his eighteenth birthday. He had met Viola the first day when the royal family greeted the new recruits.   

King Corcoran was known as a violent man, prone to anger and fits of rage. The three youngest children, all daughters, cowed in fear when their father walked into the room. It was not uncommon for one of them to get hit with a cane for a minor infraction. Their brother, Jereth, could do no wrong in their father's eyes.

Viola was eighteen, and she had stolen the young paladin's heart from the moment he had laid eyes on her. She had looked him directly in the eye, and when he winked, she had blushed and looked down. He had found his heart hammering. He had not anticipated falling hopelessly in love with Princess Viola, the youngest of the king's four children.  

From that first moment, the attraction between them had been instantaneous and electric. Every moment the young paladin could sneak away to see her, he would. They talked and found friendship at first, which then blossomed into forbidden love. It did not help that he was assigned to be Princess Viola's personal guard when riding in the hunting preserve. Soon, she was riding several times a week, and she and her paladin snuck off into the deep cover of the forest.

Princess Viola came to him, distraught one day, and told him that he would be a father. Rordan was terrified of the consequences. He had set aside his vow of celibacy, but he didn't feel bad about breaking that vow. He loved Viola deeply. If he was still a lord's son, they could have married and lived happily ever after. He went to Knight Commander Zachary Demilo and admitted his crime with a heavy heart. Zach had looked at him sadly and ordered him to be confined to the dungeon until the king could decide his fate. He had no choice in the matter. Rordan had broken his solemn oath and disgraced the order.

Princess Viola went to her parents and told them of their sin. Her father beat her severely and locked her in a tower. He would never be able to make a marriage for her now. She was tainted and worthless to him. He considered his options. He was leaning toward sending her to the convent after the child had been born. If it was a boy, he would raise the child as his own. If it was a girl, well, there were ways to take care of unwanted babies. The simplest option was to leave the baby alone at night in the woods. He didn't need another female child.  

The two languished in their prisons. King Corcoran wanted to hold a trial immediately and give Rordan the death penalty. However, his daughter begged him for mercy for her true love, and he found a sliver of kindness in his cold heart. So the king decided to hold off on determining Rordan's fate. He could rot in the dungeons.

Nine months later, Princess Viola delivered a baby girl, and their fate was sealed.

The day of the trial arrived, and only King Claudius Corcoran, Knight Commander Zach Demilo, Rordan's fellow paladins of the castle, and the accused were present.

They hauled Rordan out of the dungeon. His hair was long and matted. He had a long beard, and he was filthy. He looked like a shell of his former self, but he held himself proudly as he stood in front of the king.

Princess Viola was brought down from her tower, clutching her babe. She was wearing only a simple frock and looked pale and drawn. Her dark wavy hair was pulled back, and her dark eyes betrayed her sadness.

Rordan stole a glance at her. She was still so beautiful. If he died today, it would have all been worth it.

King Claudius Corcoran sat on his throne, fearsome with his salt and pepper hair and glinting eyes. He wore his velvet robes and exuded an air of power. His fingers were covered with jeweled rings, which he tapped on the arm of his chair impatiently. When Claudius spoke, people trembled. You two have humiliated my name and the throne. I was hoping that at least my worthless daughter would give me a grandson and a spare heir, but she couldn't even manage to do that right, the king said with a snarl.

Viola looked at her daughter, swaddled so carefully. The baby was perfect, with Rordan's dark black hair and blue eyes. She was not worthless; she was a precious gift. Viola choked back her tears. There was nothing more her father hated than a crying woman.  

The king turned to Rordan. For your crimes against the kingdom, I hereby strip you of your title as Paladin Knight of the Realm. You will be beheaded at sunset tonight, and your body buried in a pauper's grave.

He turned to his daughter. You will leave your bastard child in the woods, in a fairy ring. I do not want another worthless girl child, especially if I must think of you besmirching my honor. You will join the Sisters of Mercy and spend your life thinking of your sins.

Viola finally couldn't hold it back anymore. She wailed, tears streaming down her face. Please, Father! Have mercy on us! Our only crime is true love! she said. This child is of your blood and also has the noble bloodline of the House of Armond.

The king looked at her with his calculating eyes. He had written to Lord Daniel Armond and told him of his son's disgrace. Lord Armond had written back, apologizing profusely, and promising that Rordan would no longer be welcome in his home. But, sadly, Viola did have a point. Even though the House of Armond was but a minor lessor holding, they were still considered nobility.

King Corcoran turned to Rordan and stared at him with pure malice. You make my decision so difficult. Fine. Twenty lashes and a good beating for you, and then you, Viola, and your bastard child are to leave first thing in the morning. I'll give you a horse, a cart, and enough provisions to make it to the border. Never show your face in the Kingdom of Eastmere again. I now strip you both of all titles and privileges. Let it be so!  

Rordan smiled, but then his face fell as his fellow paladins descended on him and began to deal out the punishment. He fell to the floor and tried to protect himself from the fists and kicks that rained down upon him. Zach Demilo handed the whip to one of the men, and the rest stopped beating him to deliver the lashes. Demilo usually would have meted the punishment, but he could not. Rordan was like a brother to him. He looked away and felt physically sick.

Viola looked at her father, holding her sleeping daughter tightly to her breast. She waited, terrified, for him to deal out her punishment. She would feel lucky if she only received a beating.

King Corcoran had been watching the beating with a self-satisfied smirk on his face. Finally, he turned to Viola and announced loudly. You are no longer my daughter. The name of Corcoran is no longer yours. If you dare show yourself or your child in the Kingdom of Eastmere again, your penalty will be death. You are dead to me. You may collect your things and leave with this pitiful excuse for a man at first light tomorrow. Do not speak with your mother or sister. If you had not recently given birth to a child, I would give you the same punishment as Rordan. You should be thankful for small mercies.

The paladins had finished beating Rordan, and he lay bloodied on the floor. His pain-filled eyes looked up at the king, and he gasped, Thank you for your mercy.

Viola. Collect this man and be gone, King Corcoran said, pointing toward the crumpled figure.

She hurried to Rordan's side and helped him stand up. He stumbled, his blood dripping down his back and onto the floor.   They slowly made their way out of the throne room, escorted by several paladins. She knew of no other place to go until tomorrow, so she climbed up to her room in the tower.  

A maid met her at her door and quickly took the child and said with great fear, Princess, is there anything I can do? Do you need anything? 

She is no longer a princess, a paladin said, with no feeling in his voice.

The baby started crying. Please, Tara, just draw hot water for a bath. And some food. I don't think they have fed him for a while, Viola said, looking at Rordan's emancipated body, with his ribs clearly visible.   

Yes, Princess Viola. Tara went inside the chambers with her and laid the crying baby in its bassinet. She then quietly left the room to give them some privacy.

Viola quickly led Rordan to the bed and sat him down. She kissed him, smiling through her tears. He grimaced but kissed her back.

You did it. You saved me, Rordan whispered, his hands cupped her face, and he stared into her dark, tearful eyes with adoration.

We still have to flee tomorrow. Let me feed our child, and then I'll help you get cleaned up, Viola said. She gathered her daughter from her bassinet, gazing down on her. She didn't know what she would have done if her father would have told her to kill her baby. Probably have tried to run away. But she wouldn't get far by herself. She knew that their journey would be dangerous, with a newborn and a weakened man.

She sat down next to Rordan with their daughter. She looks just like you, Viola said. The child had dark hair and blue eyes. The baby was feeding contently, unaware that her new life had been in a precarious position just a short while ago.

She is perfect. When was she born? Have you named her yet? I'm sorry I wasn't with you, my love, Rordan said with tears in his eyes. He dared not touch the baby with his dirty hands. Who knew what pestilence clung to him from the dungeons.

She is just a week old. I haven't named her. I was waiting for my father's decision, Viola said sadly. I thought of the name, Lise.

Rordan looked at her. Did you know the name means, full of God's grace? I think that's fitting for a disgraced paladin and his disowned wife.

Wife? Viola said weakly.

As soon as possible. If you will have me? Rordan said, placing his hands on her shoulders.

Viola smiled and nodded. She put Lise down on the bed and began to gently take Rordan's shirt off. He grimaced as she touched his flayed back.

There was a knock at the door, and Viola hurried to open it. She found Zach Demilo standing there, looking haunted. He was still wearing his gleaming white armor and a red cape with the Knight Commander insignia gleaming on his chest. Can I see Rordan? he whispered. Viola nodded and let him in.

Zach looked at his friend. You look terrible, he said softly. I'm sorry, Rordan. You know I tried.

I know, Rordan said. I appreciate all you've done for me. You could have sent word to the Temple right away, and they would have come to collect me and issued their own judgment.

I'm going to have to send a bird, but I'll wait until tomorrow, until after you've left, Zach said, looking tortured with grief.

Thank you, Rordan said sadly.

Let me heal you, my friend, Zach said, moving across the room swiftly.

Rordan did not expect such kindness and felt like he did not deserve it. He considered Zach Demilo a brother. By breaking his oath, he felt like he had betrayed his church and his family.

Rordan moved to a stool. His shirt was already off. Zach looked at the lash marks and the bruises. He shook his head. You're lucky the knights like you. King Corcoran would have let them kill you. He placed his hands on Rordan and began his holy prayers. Viola watched as his back was covered with a golden glow, and his cuts and bruises disappeared.  

After Zach was done, he considered Rordan for a moment. Then, he silently put his arms around him, hugging his brother in arms goodbye. 

Viola liked Zach Demilo. Rordan and Zach had protected her when their father flew into one of his many fits of rage. They had healed her and her sisters after they were beaten bloody by their father's cane. She knew they didn't have to do that. In fact, her father would probably be angry to know they had intervened in what he saw as their punishment.

I must go. Have a safe journey. I hope we meet again, friend, Zach Demilo said sadly, taking his leave.

A servant had drawn hot water and laid out soaps. Viola led Rordan to the bath, washed him, and scrubbed his hair. When she was done, the water was filthy. She pulled the stopper for the tub, and the black water swirled down the drain. 

She smiled at him and found her sewing basket and her sharp scissors. She really didn't know what she was doing, but she trimmed his long locks into something presentable and shoulder length. Do you want to shave? she asked him.  

He shook his head no and ran his hand through his lush beard. As a paladin, he had to keep his face smooth and his hair short, but in the last nine months, his hair had grown long. He didn't see much point now. He would fit in better with the commoners with long hair and a beard.   We need to gather what we can for our journey tomorrow, Rordan said. I wish I had a weapon to protect us in our travels. It is a long way to the border. Two days by horse, longer by cart.

Viola nodded. We will make our way. We must. The Kingdom of Duvall will be our new home.

I don't know what a disgraced paladin can do. Maybe the King of Duvall will at least hire me for my magical talents. Of course, your father can take away my title, but I can still do the magic, Rordan said, frowning. I spent ten years in the Temple learning that. It's not like I can unlearn it. 

Viola nodded. She was sure they would find some way to survive. She had hope.

You rest, she said, helping him lay on the bed. He was naked, but his clothes were filthy and only fit to be burned. She covered him with her blanket. He tenderly held their sleeping daughter on his bare chest and closed his eyes. She knew he was probably weak and tired from today's events. 

Viola rang her bell for her maid. In the past nine months, Tara had become her close friend. Tara would do anything for her. She loved her so. I need your help, Viola said, whispering to her. Rordan and I are to be expelled tomorrow. I need clothes for him. His are filthy and in tatters. If you could find a sword that wouldn't be missed from somewhere? I need warm clothes for Lise. Whatever I can tuck away.

Her friend Tara looked at her with big eyes. They are expelling you from the kingdom? Your father is disowning you?

It was that or death. We took the better option, Viola said grimly.

Tara rushed to see what she could find. Viola sighed and went to take a bath herself. It might be some time before she would get another.

Sometime later, there was a knock at her door. Viola answered it, peaking out. She was surprised to see her mother.

Mother! Father said none of the family was to visit me tonight, Viola said fearfully. If her father found out, he would beat her mother for sure.

I know, Queen Elle said, hurrying into the room and shutting the door. Like her girls, Queen Elle had brown skin, dark eyes, and brown hair. Her face looked tired, and Viola spotted the flour still on her simple dress. She had most definitely spent the day in the kitchen, doing what she loved, feeding the castle. I'm so sorry, my dear. I pleaded with your father to have mercy on you two. Perhaps that is why he spared you. I don't understand why he can't just let you two marry.

Rordan had awoken; he stirred and sat up in the bed. He tenderly cradled Lise in his large hands. I was a paladin. I have broken my holy oath and shamed the order. King Corcoran had to punish me. Rordan said sadly. With food, bath, and a bit of healing magic, he looked like a man again, instead of a filthy prisoner.

Rubbish, Queen Elle said, waving her hand. I know Claudius has exiled you both. He intends to send you out tomorrow with only a horse, a cart, and a small number of provisions. I brought you a bag of coins. Hide it well. Do not let him know you have this. He intends to punish you as hard as possible.

Viola choked back tears and took the heavy bag of gold. Thank you, Mother. I know you did this at great risk. I will not even ask where you got the gold.

Queen Elle nodded. She had stolen it out of the treasury a week ago when her daughter had given birth. Her husband had ranted and raved the entire evening. Elle knew if she got the chance, she would help her daughter escape.

We named the baby. Her name is Lise, Viola said. She took the baby from Rordan gently and placed her in her mother's arms.

Elle smiled down at the baby girl, rocking her with a smile. Lise beamed up at her, her blue eyes bright. My first grandchild and your father wanted to leave her in the forest to be eaten by wild animals. He has always been angry that I only gave him one son. Perhaps if little Lise had been a boy, he would have relented on you two. She said with a sigh. But that is not to be. She is beautiful anyway. I'm glad you have a chance. She kissed