Throne of Shadows: Rise of the Sorcerer King, Book 1: Loth The Unworthy

By Charles Eugene Anderson

Brooding mercenary Loth lives by his sword and seeks only fortune, caring little for honor or duty. But when a mysterious royal offers him a king's ransom to infiltrate the dreaded Black Tower and assassinate the sinister sorcerer-king, Thalus Kahn, Loth assembles a band of skilled warriors for the impossible quest.

Joined by the fierce shield-maiden Anya and the stealthy archer Shimoda, Loth begins an epic journey to aid exiled princess Valeria in reclaiming her stolen kingdom from Kahn's dark control. Beset by enemies and black magic around every turn, the fellowship bonds and battles through adversity, Loth finding his noble side on the road to the sorcerer's dark stronghold.

After overcoming all odds and laying siege to the nightmarish Tower, Loth finally comes face-to-face against the despotic Thalus Kahn. In an explosive showdown between good and evil, sword and sorcery, Loth risks all for victory and the liberation of Valeria's once prosperous land.

Triumphant yet weary, Loth believes his role is fulfilled as Valeria takes her crown. But when the princess betrays her champion, declaring him an enemy of the realm, Loth is forced to flee as a fugitive. As darkness returns to the newly crowned queen's rule, a wronged Loth must decide if vengeance will be his or if he can forge his heroic destiny against all betrayals.

Evil always finds a foothold where integrity crumbles. Can one disgraced hero shine light into such an abyss? Forge your courage in The Throne of Shadows, a tale of redemptive bravery unlike any you've ever read. You'll enjoy this story if you like Robert E Howard's Conan the Barbarian.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mad Cow Press
• Release date: Aug 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223036678

Charles Eugene Anderson

Charles Eugene Anderson lives in Colorado. Chuck is a former teacher. He now spends his time writing, hanging out with his pup, Champ, and learning how to bake. More about Chuck at http://charleseugeneanderson.com

Book preview

Chapter

One

Loth brooded in the shadows of the tavern, his calloused hand clenched around a tankard of sour ale. Though the drunken crowd roared with mirth around him, Loth had no taste for revelry that night. He was a hardened man who lived by the sword, driven only by a lust for gold that could never be sated. Honor and duty meant nothing to him, only the jingle of coins. Any task, no matter how vile, would be done if the purse was heavy enough. Men called him friend at dawn and cursed his name by dusk, but all knew to fear the jagged steel at his hip. Loth's loyalty went only as far as his purse, which was always light.

Lost in brooding, Loth barely noticed the woman as she approached until she sat opposite him. He eyed her warily, wondering what she wanted. She was fair of face, with fiery green eyes and waves of brown hair falling over her shoulders. She wore plain robes, but something about her spoke of power. She leaned close, her gaze fixed on his. You are Loth. I require your service.

Loth said nothing and drank his ale. He had no interest in a woman's words, no matter how beguiling. He was in a black mood, and his purse was flat. The peace had come at a significant cost to a sellsword. Be on your way, wench, he growled. I've no coin for your kind.

The woman stiffened but held her ground. You misunderstand. I've come to hire your blade, not your bed. This sty has plenty of sellswords, but I hear you are the most cunning and ruthless.

The barbarian snorted. Ruthless and cunning? Those are just drunken boasts and wishful thinking. I'm naught but a common sword-for-hire.

The woman leaned closer, her eyes gleaming. I know your reputation, Loth. I need someone who'll do what must be done without hesitation or mercy. Someone not afraid to court danger and death. And I'm willing to pay handsomely for your services.

Loth raised an eyebrow. How handsome?

Enough to fill your purse for a year, she said, placing a fat pouch of gold on the table. Half now, half when it's done.

Loth eyed the pouch greedily. What's the task?

The woman's face grew grave. I need you to kill the vile sorcerer king, Thalus Kahn.

Loth laughed heartily and said to the woman, I don't know who here is playing a joke on me right now but be gone. I have no time for jests.

Loth hungrily eyed the pouch of gold, his mind racing with its possibilities. To be free of petty jobs and meager pay for an entire year was a tempting prospect. But to kill Thalus Kahn - that was no easy task. The sorcerer king was too powerful.

It will take more than just gold to slay Thalus Kahn, Loth rasped. No man can match his witchcraft. Go now so I can go back to my ale. The job is too dangerous, and a dead man cannot spend gold.

The woman told Loth, Too bad, I thought you were the man for the job, but I must have been mistaken. I shall find someone else. She started to reach for the purse, but her hand went past