Assassin: The Valiant Series, #4

By Joanna White

Sold into slavery by his own parents at the age of seven, Aidan has spent his life enduring tortuous training in the arts of war. Now a man, he is an assassin in the service of his king. He kills whoever the king wants dead without question, regret, or concern for his own life.

 

But when another assassin targets the king's daughter, Aidan's path to protect her will lead him down a dark road of corruption. As he struggles with his duty and his conscience, Aidan finds himself falling in love with the person he is supposed to protect and falling away from his commitment to his king.

 

As Aidan is consumed by the lies and darkness of his world, his past sins threaten to destroy everything he holds dear, including his love for the king's daughter. Can Aidan overcome the darkness, or will he succumb to it and lose everything?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joanna White
• Release date: May 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201482251

Joanna White

Joanna White is a Christian Author and fangirl. Hunter and Shifter are the first two books in her debut series, called the Valiant Series. She writes Fantasy, Science Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Historical Fiction, Nonfiction, and more. Her short stories have been featured in several anthologies.  She graduated from Full Sail University with a BFA in Creative Writing For Entertainment. Ever since she was ten years old, she's been writing stories and has a deep passion for writing and creating stories, worlds, characters, and plots that readers can immerse themselves in. In 2020, she reached her personal goal of writing a million words in a year. Most of all, Joanna loves God, her family, staying at home, and being a total nerd. To stay updated and find out more about her novels, where her inspiration comes from, games, giveaways, and more, visit her website at: authorjoannawhite.com

Book preview

Assassin

Valiant Book Four

Joanna White

Contents

OTHER BOOKS IN THE VALIANT SERIES:

Copyright Page

Dedication

Map 1

Terms

Prologue

1.Chapter One

2.Chapter Two

3.Chapter Three

4.Chapter Four

5.Chapter Five

6.Chapter Six

7.Chapter Seven

8.Chapter Eight

9.Chapter Nine

10.Chapter Ten

11.Chapter Eleven

12.Chapter Twelve

13.Chapter Thirteen

14.Chapter Fourteen

15.Chapter Fifteen

16.Chapter Sixteen

17.Chapter Seventeen

Epilogue

Healed

Rogue cover

Sneak Peek of Rogue, Valiant Book Five

Author's Note

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OTHER BOOKS IN THE VALIANT SERIES:

Forgotten – A short introduction to Hunter

Hunter – Valiant Book One

Rebels – A Valiant Companion Novel

Sightless – A short companion to Hunter

Shifter – Valiant Book Two

Reclaimed – A short companion to Shifter

Samurai – Valiant Book Three

Healed – A short companion to Samurai

Assassin – Valiant Book Four

Victorious – A short companion to Assassin

Rogue – Valiant Book Five

Bound – A short companion to Rogue

Survivor – Valiant Book Six – Coming Fall 2024

Mortal – A Valiant Prequel

Immortal – A Valiant Prequel – Coming 2024

The Republic Chronicles Series:

Dark Magi – A Republic Chronicles Prequel

Light Magi – Republic Chronicles Book One

Shadow Magi – Republic Chronicles Book Two – Coming Soon

The Calamity's Hope Series:

Volcano – Calamity's Hope Book One

Earthquake – Calamity's Hope Book Two

Wildfire – Calamity's Hope Book Three

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Copyright © 2022, 2023, 2024 by Joanna White

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review. For more information, address: joannamariewhite(at)mail.com.

Fourth Edition, 2024 by Joanna White

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Thanks to God, my Father in Heaven, for giving me this talent and passion for writing and for giving me this story to tell. This book is dedicated to my family for all their support, especially to my husband for being my editor and encouraging me on this journey.

A huge shout out to the fans and readers of The Valiant Series, for reading the series and for your enthusiasm and interest in Aidan.

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Terms:

Ruhious—Leather armor pants

Vavyious—Chest armor made by the same material as ruhious

Mineriy—Wine storage room

Sekiyx—A specific type of poison Aidan makes and uses

Ettki—Slavers who take boys and train them to be assassins

Medious—Royal doctor at the palace

Medious qiylious—Clinic

Rumious—Assassin training camp owned by the Ettki

Famlav—Farm

Mucious—Material used for clothing and armor

Merrisious—A day of the week in Eious

Elogii (blade)—Type of special blade used by the Corrupted

Four Realms in the land Eious:

Kiayious (kee-ay-ee-us) Realm—Ruler: King Lavious; Capital: Rivos

Isvyesious (is-iv-ee-us) Realm—Ruler: King Maxiveren; Capital (not mentioned): Dativ

Fixid (fix-id) Realm—Ruler: King Cexious; Capital (not mentioned): Irrv

Tyrix (tier-ex) Realm—Ruler: King Aeveron; Capital: Pirr

Characters (in no particular order):

Lavious (pronounced lah-vee-us) = King of Kiayious Realm

Sevylia (sev-lia)= Lavious’ daughter

Maxiveren (max-ee-veer-ian)= King of Isvyesious Realm

Katvyi (cat-i-vee)= Maxiveren’s wife

Raliy (rally)= servant of Lavious (cook)

Iterious (i-tier-ee-us)= taxes and payments for Lavious

Aeo (ay-oh)= good friend and a teacher of Sevylia’s

Balv (bal-v)= first mate on the Vaxid

Peyrce (pronounced pierce) = Captain of the Vaxid

Simmel (sim-el) = Ettki trainer, one who trained Aidan

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SKULL

Some time ago…

SKULL, ALONG WITH FOUR others, portaled into the world called Eious. They stepped through the portal and entered into the main floor of a stone temple. Turning toward one of the men with him, he once again re-read his lieutenant’s name inscribed on his shoulder badge: Thaddius. Not that Skull would bother to memorize it himself. He didn’t find the man himself worth remembering; average build, average face, average everything, really.

Skull turned to face Thaddius, who paused in his steps at the sound of Skull’s voice. I know this may prove difficult for you, Thaddius, but this is your chance to show the Dark Master how worthy you are—or aren’t. Skull clicked his tongue. If not, you know what he does to those who are no longer useful to him. Rather than a threatening tone, Skull’s tone sounded empty and bored. Go, now. Begin Corruption and prove that you are worthy to be in our ranks.

Thaddius bobbed his head up-and-down.

As he walked away, Skull turned to the other three men. Now, we must set up a training base. One where men will be broken and rebuilt as we desire, taught only the art of killing, where we can spread pain and Corruption. At the thought, Skull felt… excited. Thrilled.

He grinned and gazed at the three men with him. Let’s begin.

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AIDAN

I HID AT the top of the walls around the outer part of the city. The marketplace looked alive with people under me, going to and fro, like ants scurrying about. Multitudes of tiny stands scattered around the large area burst with a variety of goods. Some sold freshly killed meat, while others offered clothing, and still others potions and herbs. Larger buildings sold armor and weapons. Despite the fact that I was on a job, I found enjoyment in observing the lives that I had never had, although I would never outwardly admit that.

Movement caught my eye. Bavyl, my target, scouted the marketplace for new buyers. The loathsome opium-dealer had double-crossed one of the king's advisors more than once and refused to pay up. Now came the time of retribution.

I grabbed my bow off my back, nocked an arrow, and aimed it directly for Bavyl’s heart.

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Chapter one

THE INTSANT BAVYL collapsed onto the ground, people began to panic. Some called for the guards, others screamed. Meanwhile, I watched the chaos unfold from behind a spire directly above the action on the city walls. The walls stood wide enough for people to walk on the top of it, which meant that some of the guards would be there soon to try to locate me.

I would be long gone by then.

I slung my bow across my back and remained crouched as I nimbly treaded across the wall. Behind a building inside an alleyway, I found a perfect place, jumped down, and landed just behind it. People still shouted, and guards’ feet pounded on the stone streets. I zipped onto a side road, keeping off the main lane, and remained in the back streets, weaving in and out of alleyways. Once the volume of all the commotion dimmed, I slowed down considerably. When I reached a good distance away from the uproar, I slipped down a side road that led back to the main one.

No one on gathered on the street here. I turned back to the front. Up ahead loomed an arching, silver gate reaching to the sky with two guards in front and two behind it.

Welcome back, Aidan, the guard on the left said.

I slightly nodded in response. Despite the thin, black armor and black hood I wore, they knew me and who I worked for. I inclined my head as the guards on the inside unlocked the gates. I stepped through them onto the colossal courtyard. My eyes always jumped to the massive flower garden first before continuing to the several spurting fountains, the intricate maze carved out of thick, green bushes, the pavilion overlooking a small pond, and numerous fruit trees throughout. The cobblestones I stood on led to a hall bigger than four shops in the town combined. Pillars stood every five feet on the left and right sides of the hall, which enabled anyone to look out over the whole courtyard at any given interval. I strode down the hall, toward the doors up ahead, where two more guards kept watch.

As soon as they saw me, they opened the doors and let me inside. Once inside, I stood in a grand hall, mostly used for balls, gatherings, or large dinners. Multiple guards patrolled and servants mulled about, but I paid all of them no interest. I strolled into a hallway and hiked up an immense staircase made entirely of gold. Eventually, I reached the throne room.

The king sat on his throne, and despite what one would think, he wasn’t lazy. He had a fit, tall frame with a thick beard and held malice in his eyes. A man knelt in front of him when I arrived. As I got closer, I noticed the man shook and that he wasn’t really a man, but a boy, not too many years younger than I, one who had probably just reached manhood.

"What is your excuse, boy?" the king demanded.

He looked at the ground, still quivering.

I glanced at him, merely bored and amused at watching how pathetic he acted.

I—my father was forced to serve… and he was killed in battle. I–I’ve been trying to provide for my mother and younger sisters. We had no money, and my mother is very ill. I–I only took one… and I was going to pay him back as—as soon as I got the money, the boy stuttered.

The king scoffed. You— The king stood up, walking toward the boy as he spoke, only did— He circled around the boy now, coming up behind him to finish his sentence, right in the boy’s ear. "What you had to do, huh?"

The boy flinched and nodded. Y–yes, my King, he managed to gasp out.

Hmm. Well, you have caused me a grave loss, dear boy. And I will see due punishment for that loss. The king spat, nodding to a guard. I almost scoffed but decided against it. The boy had probably either stolen some herbs from a local herbalist or something of equal amount—which wasn’t near enough for a grave loss as the king had said. But the king treated his people that way.

The guard held the boy, extending his arm out. He quaked in fear and begged, even after the king sat back on his throne and nodded toward the guard. Tears fell down the boy’s dirty face as the guard took his sword out and put it against the boy’s wrist.

Now, boy. I want you to apologize for what you have done. The king narrowed his eyes on the boy.

I–I’m s–sorry! The boy’s eyes widened.

That’s better. The king gave the guard the signal.

The guard brought his sword down to cut off the boy’s hand. The boy screamed as blood poured from his wound and onto the marble floor. Another guard released him and he fell to the ground, squealing in agony.

Get him out of my sight. I’m sure he would love to return to his mother before her illness takes her, the king ordered.

The guards nodded and dragged the boy out of the room as blood trailed behind them.

Clean this mess up! I don’t want the blood staining, the king commanded. Two servant girls who stood nearby waiting for orders rushed out of the room to get rags to start washing up the boy’s blood.

Aidan! You’ve returned. The king suddenly noticed me, and he turned to meet my gaze.

I pushed myself off the pillar I had been leaning against and walked up to his throne. Job’s done.

Yes, I’ve already heard the news. The guards in the city are already looking for the ‘mysterious killer who got away.’ The king’s lips slid into a devious grin.

I shrugged.

You have done well, Aidan, once again, he said.

My payment? I lifted an eyebrow.

Of course. The king motioned toward a man standing to the left and slightly behind the throne. Get Aidan his payment, Iterious, would you?

The man, Iterious, bowed. A spiteful grin crossed his face. Certainly.

I followed him into a room, considerably smaller than the previous one, filled with desks and papers. Iterious handled all the taxes and payments that the king dealt with. He reached into a safe, pulled out a sack full of coins, and handed it to me. I take it you are satisfied? he asked me.

I nodded in response, walking back into the throne room. Is there anything else you need of me, my king?

Not as of the moment. You may leave. The king waved me off in dismissal.

I nodded toward him and headed down another hallway, when I ran into a young woman, hiding behind a pillar: Sevylia, the king’s daughter. She had become a woman only months ago, but she held herself as much older. Naturally, she looked beautiful and elegant, but I didn’t bother to get to know her beyond that.

You just let that happen? she asked me.

Princess. I inclined my head to her.

I know who you are and what you do for my father. If you had spoken a word, that poor boy wouldn’t have suffered as he did. Her eyes filled with tears as they narrowed on me.

You don’t know anything about me, I snapped.

You don’t even care, do you?

I shrugged.

How can you be so cruel? Her face reddened.

If you really do know what I do for your father, do you really have to ask that, Princess? I crossed my arms.

She glanced down for a moment, seeming to think about her answer. That doesn’t mean anything. Your will is not your own.

As I said, you don’t know anything about me. I brushed passed her and walked on down the hall. As I left, I felt her eyes watching me, but I paid it no attention. I continued until I found another smaller set of stairs and took them to the ground floor. From there, I bypassed the grand hall and went through the kitchen.

Back again, eh Aidan? Raliy, as one of the oldest servants here, had served the king’s father when he was still alive years ago.

I nodded and took an apple out of a bowl that rested on the counter.

She shot me a look but said nothing. At this point, she had gotten used to it. She returned to her work, chopping vegetables to prepare for the next meal.

Good seeing you, Raliy, I called to her over my shoulder as I left through another door.

You too, Aidan. Her reply sounded distant. The short trek down another staircase took me to the lower parts of the palace. Underneath the ground floor sat the servant’s quarters, where I stayed, and below that was the dungeon.

Because of all I had done for the king, I could have had better quarters if I wanted, but I chose to stay down where the king forced the servants to sleep. After so many years of not having anything, I could not bring myself to stay in better quarters. I did not belong anywhere, or with anyone, but at least among the servants I felt in place. They kept to one end and I stayed on the opposite side where it was the most remote. I preferred the isolation.

I went inside the small room, slipped my bow and arrows off my back, and leaned them against the corner. After that, I put down my hood and slipped the vavyious off—a leather jacket that protected my chest, back, and arms—and threw it to the ground, which left me bare-chested. I pulled my leather gloves off and chucked them beside the rest. With a harsh sigh, I turned around to address the intruder in my room. A slave woman lay there with part of her dress down to show off her body shape.

She smiled, and her eyes hovered over me seductively.

What are you doing here? My voice echoed loudly off the stone walls. I was in no mood for any company, especially not the kind of company she offered.

I’ve been sent to please you…for your hard work today, she purred.

I glared at her, leaning against the wall as I crossed my arms. Get out, I growled.

Gradually, she stood up, sliding her hand along the wall as she went. She strutted toward me, getting as close as she dared. Are you…sure you don’t want my company? she murmured against my ear.

I put my hands on her shoulders and shoved her away from me. I said, ‘get out.’

Half her mouth curved up in a leer. Your loss, assassin, she spat, leaving the room. The wooden door slammed shut behind her.

Now that she left, I finished removing the rest of my gear. I kicked off my boots, followed by my ruhious—grieves made from thin leather that protected my legs and waist. On the adjacent wall from where I stood, I opened my clothing chest, and slipped on some loose trousers. I glared at the door at the memory of the woman, but it would soon be forgotten.

Sleep was long overdue.

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WHEN I AWOKE, sweat coated my skin as I desperately tried to burn the images of the nightmare from my mind. I was in no mood to go back to sleep, so I left and made my way to toward one of the wine-storage rooms. Quickly, I grabbed a bottle at random, not caring that I theoretically stole it, and headed for the outdoors. When the guards let me outside, I took in the night sky. The moon sat high and bright, nearly full, and the stars lit the world in a blanket of glowing specks.

At night, the courtyard had an entirely different feel to it. Rather than pleasurable, it looked eerie and dark. I meandered through the bushes and flowers and stopped to lean against one tree, casually crossing my arms.

The wine in the bottle rapidly vanished as the night droned on. As I looked out over the pond, several yards away from where I stood, I focused on the calm water and the way the moon reflected perfectly on the water’s surface. Despite the numbing alcohol, the images of my past seeped back into my mind, and I tried to force them out, but the more I tried, the more they fought for control of my thoughts.

I did my job, and I held no regret about any acts I committed. Why did they haunt me?

I needed a better distraction. Part of me wished that the king had given me another task so that I didn’t end up here, mulling over my past.

With a sudden idea, I dropped the wine bottle and jumped up, grabbing onto a branch directly above my head with both hands. I pulled my body up and twisted my legs around to get a solid grip. From