Oathbreaker: The Paladin's Sin, #2

By Jessica Kemery

He and his love escaped once from the forces that tried to destroy them, but now will the monsters that stand in his way end them all before they can claim victory?

Rordan finds himself on a dangerous quest across every known kingdom with all of his dearest friends. To build his new order, he must recruit any oathbreaker, witch, or wild magic user he can find. But a nasty fireworm has awoken, and it stops him in his tracks.

With a promise to the locals to free them of the monster, he must use every trick up his sleeve to make it out in one piece. Will he be able to defeat the worm and return home before the situation spins out of control? Will the curse placed on his wife's father backfire and destroy the one person he cherishes above all others?

Oathbreaker is the second book in The Paladin's Sin series. If you like rugged, sword-swinging magic users, strong female action characters, with a little bit of romance and tragedy thrown in, you will love the fantasy world of Jessica Kemery.

Read Oathbreaker and discover a world full of wonder and magic today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hot Mess Express Publishing
• Release date: Oct 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9798223425632

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

MAP

Map of the world

OATH OF THE TEMPLE KNIGHTS

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

OCEAN VOYAGE

The HMS Firehawk was a majestic ship. Made of thick oak, its sturdy bow cut through smooth waves and made good speed. She had braved the strongest of ocean storms, and her crew had lived to tell the tale.

The Poseidon Sea could be a harsh place. Now, the seagulls dipped in and out of the waves, and dolphins jumped just in front of the ship. Captain Bell delighted in the view. Good luck will be with us on this voyage, he smiled in approval. His gray eyes, the same color as the sea on a stormy day, glinted with joy. The wind ruffled through his salt and pepper hair, tied back with a simple thong. He was strong, as all sailors are, and his biceps bulged as he handled the ship's wheel with his large rough hands. He was a man of the sea, through and through. His men joked that saltwater ran through his veins.

The wind was fair, and the two paladins were up on the main deck. Rordan and Gretchen had left Duvall just days earlier, the lush green land disappearing behind them and their loved ones waving from the noisy docks.

Their mission was simple. The two would travel across the sea to Cheshire to find other oathbreakers, these scattered men who had fled the Temple. Then, they would build their own order: The Order of the Fallen.

They had left behind one knight in Duvall to keep everything running. Brandon Duchard was in charge of the children and their training. The young ones were the future of the order.

They hoped to find across the sea witches, oathbreakers, and wild magic users. Their search was for people who had fled to the farthest, most inhospitable nooks and crannies of the world to avoid the reach of the Temple.

Rordan Armond had left behind his beloved Viola and their daughter Lise, who was barely one-year-old. They had another child on the way, which they both hoped would be a son. Unfortunately, the baby would be born while he was absent. It brought him great sadness that he could not be there for the birth of his child, but there was nothing to be done. Duty called.

He was already homesick for his simple home in Duvall. He missed his wife, Viola, the former Princess of Eastmere. He had risked everything for her, as she had done for him. He may have broken his oath with the Temple and given up his life as a paladin, but he would never break his wedding oath to Viola. But this was his life now, in service to King Geist of Duvall, and he was on a mission.

His companion was Gretchen Brookroad, and she was the first female knight in a hundred years. Formally, she had been a witch woman selling amulets and hexes in the markets of Duvall. She had a unique ability to sense magic. She had found Rordan, soon after he had fled from the Kingdom of Eastmere, and persuaded him to heal her daughter, who had been gravely ill. He had recognized her talent and had persuaded the widow to join him. He had paid her well, of course. He needed her, or his mission might well be a failure.

Gretchen also longed for home. Her cabin, tucked into the King's Woods, was her respite. She was homesick for her home in the city, where she lived with her family. She missed her daughter, so clever and sweet. She had married just a week before her leaving, and her heart ached for her husband, Chet. She wanted to hear his infectious sarcastic laugh and feel his powerful arms around her. She sighed and looked back east toward Duvall. It was a distant shore out of her sight, but not her mind.

Rordan had persuaded her to join him and the crew on deck today. He wanted to learn about sailing. He was a quick learner and was soon hoisting sails and singing sea shanties with the men. Meanwhile, she stood at the deck and pondered what she was ever doing here, in a place she never imagined she would be. If you had told her a year ago, she would become a knight, she would have thrown her head back and laughed. She probably would be hard at work making weak love potions to sell at the market at this very moment.

Gretchen felt terribly out of place. These men were rough sailor types who leered and cat-called her. Rordan had reprimanded them for their behavior several times, but they just didn't understand the strange knight woman. She was beautiful, in a graceful middle-aged way. Her chestnut brown hair fell in waves around her shoulders, and her deep brown eyes seemed to challenge all who met her gaze. She was not a witch woman to be trifled with.

Most of the time, she stayed in the cabin she and Rordan were sharing. Sometimes she went on the deck for fresh air or to practice her magic, and the sailors always had cuts and bruises to heal. They at least appreciated that.

Captain Vince Bell approached her as she was shooting fireballs into the water. What's a nice lass like you pretending to be a soldier?

I'm hardly a lass. I'm married, she said, turning away and avoiding his eyes. She crossed her arms and stared at him in defiance.

Where's your husband? What husband would let his woman leave on a boat without him and travel with another man? Captain Bell said in disbelief, his gray eyes actually looking concerned for her welfare. He placed a hand on her shoulder.

She flinched away from his hand. Angrily, she said, I know you don't understand, but my husband, Chet, is a member of the King's Guard. Rordan hired me for my magic, not my sword fighting abilities, although I've been practicing. 

Captain Bell just shook his head and went back to his deck. Rordan approached her as he took a break. He pulled off his shirt and finished wrapping a length of cord around his thick arms. He threw down the bundle of rope and joined her at the rail. Pay them no mind.

Don't worry, I don't, she said crossly. She leaned against the railing and looked out at the vast, expansive ocean. The strong breeze blew her long hair back. She pulled a ribbon out of her pocket and tied her hair up.

I didn't really understand when I asked you to join me on this expedition how difficult it would be for you, especially as a newlywed. You have my apologies, Rordan said, concern etched on his face. They both knew her help was necessary. Without her, the mission would be almost impossible, for how did one locate magic users who did not want to be found?

She looked at him with a smile. She loved this man like a brother she had never had. He cared so much for her, just like he cared for every person in the order. It's fine. I can handle myself, besides don't they say that absence makes the heart grow fonder?

Rordan groaned. That's what they say. I guess I've found that to be true. It's difficult, though, for all of us.

Yeah, this is hard. You want to spar later? Gretchen asked hopefully, looking at an empty portion of the deck.

Of course, he said, but we'll have to use broomsticks. I didn't bring any training swords.

After dinner, they went back up to the main deck with two broom handles. They crossed sticks and fought; the sticks clacking as they beat each other back and forth across the deck.

The few men who were on duty watched with interest. The night watch was boring unless there was a storm, and they found this all very entertaining.

Gretchen touched his shoulder, getting the first point. After that, the sailors all started giving Rordan a hard time. Come on, are you going to get beat by a girl? they said, ribbing him.

They were both sweating now. Gretchen attacked ferociously, and Rordan threw up a magic barrier around himself. With a grin and a flick of his wrist, he set his shield in place.

Her stick started hitting his invisible bubble, and she shouted, No fair, Rordan! her cheeks flushed red with exertion.

He dropped it. Just showing you what a real paladin might do in a sword fight. One of these days, you might come face to face with one, he said.

He quickly scored a point, rapping her soundly with his stick on the wrist. She nearly dropped her stick as the men roared and clapped. They were hooked, now watching their every move. They fired her up; she loved nothing more than to win a match against the mighty Rordan Armond. It happened every now and again, but only if he played by the rules. Unfortunately, Rordan hardly ever played fair.

He worked her back against the lower galley wall. She was cornered. They locked weapons, and she decided to play a little dirty herself. Why should HE have all the fun? She filled her left hand with sparks and then got a hold of Rordan's arm.

Surprised, he staggered back, stunned by the magic. He dropped his weapon out of pure reflex and then laughed as Gretchen pointed her stick at his throat. The men cheered for her, and she gave Rordan a sassy grin. He shook his head but laughed. Okay, you got me. I played dirty, so you did too. Good move, Gretchen, he said, shaking his arm out. Pins and needles shot down his arm uncomfortably.

Sorry, Boss, a mischievous grin crossed her face, but that was fun.

Nothing like a good old-fashioned stick fight, he said with a smile, picking up his discarded broomstick. 

They went down to their cabin, settling into their separate bunks. The tallow candle was lit, and Rordan was looking over some maps of Cheshire, but he soon put them down and blew out the candle, leaving the strong-smelling candle smoke to curl lazily into the air. He settled under his wool blanket and was soon fast asleep.

The next day at breakfast, Captain Bell looked over at them. He was eating fast. He had to get back on deck. Red sky morning sailors take warning. It's going to blow today. So you two land lovers should stay below decks. Don't want you washed overboard.

Rordan didn't look concerned. A few waves will be fine, he said, waving off the captain's concerns.

Gretchen was not so sure. After her breakfast of porridge, she went to the upper deck. The skies looked angry. The black thick black clouds boiled above, and the wind was blowing heavily out of the west.

Already, the boat was tossing in the waves. She tasted the salt in the air, and the spray settled around her like an icy fist. Her sense of foreboding grew as she hurried back to their cabin. The door got caught by the wind and slammed shut behind her, almost like an omen.

Rordan sat down at the desk and continued his letter to Viola, which he had been adding to a little each day. He would leave it with Captain Bell to take back to Duvall on his return voyage. 

Dearest -

We are a few days out now and have had good weather until today. Right now, we are buckling down for a big storm. The captain has ordered us below decks. I've been working with the men, helping them with the ropes to keep in shape, but I think I will sit this one out and let the professionals handle it. My sea legs aren't as good as theirs.

Suddenly, Rordan didn't feel so well. He put his quill down and swallowed a few times.

Rordan, you don't look so good. Are you okay? Gretchen asked, looking at him. His face was almost green, and he was sweating.

He shook his head and then hurried to the bucket they used as a chamber pot. He quickly lost his breakfast. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and then dropped to his knees and retched again.

You've got seasickness, Gretchen said with a shake of her head. Strangely, she didn't feel sick at all.

This is terrible, Rordan said, holding his stomach and groaning. He dropped to his knees again, attempting to crawl across the room.

Well, I seem to be fine. Blessed be, she said, helping him up. He was unsteady on his feet, and the boat was rocking violently. She helped him across the room and to his bunk, and he curled up in a ball and closed his blue eyes. She wedged the bucket between his bunk and the wall.

Gretchen exclaimed, Listen to the storm blow! If I didn't know any better, I would say we are going to blow to bits! she hurried to her bunk, trying to keep her feet under her.

They stayed in their bunks for hours in the dark. Gretchen was afraid the violent rocking would knock over a candle and start a fire. One powerful wave nearly set them on their starboard side. It violently threw Gretchen against the wall, her breath knocked out of her.

The wave took Rordan by surprise, and it threw him clear of his bunk. He hit the deck with a loud thump. He struggled back into his bed, and they held on to whatever they could as the ship continued to buck and roll in the waters.

This is bad! Gretchen yelled over the roar of the storm. Rordan only groaned in answer.

Rordan was clutching his chest. I think I broke a rib, he moaned.

When the storm's over, I'll look at it, Gretchen promised, Right now, I couldn't stand for a minute.

Rordan grimaced as the storm caused him to shift in his bunk. Remind me when we get home to never become a sailor.

I don't think there is any risk of that, she said, trying to brace herself into the bunk.

2

VEXED

The Kingdom of Eastmere was floundering. Some said a dark curse covered King Corcoran and the family. Multiple deaths and scandals had rocked them. It had all started with the scandal of the king's youngest daughter, Princess Viola, and her affair with the paladin, Rordan Armond. The birth of an illegitimate daughter and the disownment and banishment of the pair had sent tongues wagging.

Then the king's oldest daughter, Princess Nora, and her husband, Crown Prince Virgil of Norrse, had died while attempting to visit her homeland. A deadly plague had ravaged Eastmere, which led to Queen Elle's death, soon followed that sad affair. The remaining second daughter, Lara, was smuggled out of the kingdom in great haste to marry Crown Prince Frederick of Duvall. She at least had not caught the dreaded plague.

The plague had badly disfigured the Crown Prince of Eastmere, Jereth Corcoran. Since recovering, he had been in a terrible mood, demanding his new wife concede to his every demand. 

Jillian Corcoran turned her unhappy face away from her husband, who tapped his toe impatiently and looked at his pocket watch. They were late for dinner already. He hated having to wait while his wife primped in front of the mirror.

She looked at her profile in the glass, seeing her husband's scowling face behind her. She felt like a cow. Her maternity dress flowed around her like a tent. She looked at her thick waistline with a scowl. She smoothed the silk material over her bump and wondered if her husband had been seeing a mistress. He certainly had made no romantic moves toward her since she had told him she had fulfilled her duty and announced their first child was on its way.

Get me my combs! she snapped at her maid, and the woman rushed to locate her silver and jewel-encrusted hair combs.

Julian brushed her hair angrily. She hated being the only woman of any stature in this castle. Although she had found her mother-in-law tiresome and her sister-in-law an annoying person who was afraid of her shadow, at least they provided a distraction from the bleak monotony of this place. Now they were both gone, and she was alone. Since the plague, it was like the sun had disappeared from the sky. Instead, rain and dreariness seemed to fill every waking moment.

Before her death, Queen Elle had done much of the day-to-day management of the castle. She took a personal hand in much of the planning and had loved to cook. The kitchens floundered without her.

My dear, Jereth said, his voice dripping with malice from the doorway. He was splendid in a dark blue velvet dinner jacket. The horrible scars on his face only marred his perfection, left from his battle with the plague. Father has asked that you step into the role my mother performed. You must oversee the kitchens as my mother did. Everything has been falling apart without her. I'm sure you will not do near the perfect job she did, but I expect you to learn.

Jillian whirled to face him, and she stomped her foot, which was clad in a dainty dark blue slipper, and matched her ruffled silk maternity dress. I cannot! she retorted. I have no cooking skills. I've never cooked a day in my life. I don't know how to run a castle! I can plan balls and dinner parties. Taking over the kitchens is too much. She had grown up a pampered, spoiled daughter of Lord Franks, who had made his fortune in lumber. She had maids, cooks, and servants when she was a child. She had certainly never run a kitchen.

Red crept up into Jereth's face. Do not make me punish you! he said, moving across the room so quickly she didn't have time to defend herself. Jereth was angry at her, and that was never good. She strived to maintain a pleasant composure, to keep him happy, but that was not always possible. He grabbed her by the hair roughly, twisting her long blond hair around his fist. She whimpered as he got so close to her face with his own that she could feel his hot breath on her. He grabbed her and shook her roughly.

You will do as I demand! You are my wife and the crown princess. If I tell you to cook, you will cook! Don't you dare cross me! He had let her go, and she collapsed sobbing. Jereth threw her one last angry look before hastily leaving the room without a word.

She collected herself before following him to dinner. It would not do good at all to show up crying. Her father-in-law, King Claudius Corcoran, hated above all crying women. He had never beaten her with his cane, but she had never given him a reason to. She had more brains than his slow-witted daughter Lara, who had driven him to beat her often before she had escaped this prison by marriage. Lara had never known how to hide her emotions as Jillian did.

Dinner that night was uncomfortable and silent. Jereth glared at her the entire time, and her father-in-law gave her disdainful glances and picked at his bland food. It was not to his liking. She feigned exhaustion and went to bed early. Her husband never came to bed that night, and she wondered which servant wench had kept him warm. She couldn't wait to have this child. Then, hopefully, her husband would return to her bed where he belonged.

The next day, Jillian had reluctantly reported to the kitchen, where the cooks found her more of a burden than a help.

Please, Your Majesty, the head chef pleaded later to King Corcoran. She's hopeless in the kitchen. She can plan banquets and social events and leave it at that!

Claudius called them both to his study and angrily confronted them. He looked thunderous, sitting in his plush chair and glaring down at them both. Jereth, your wife is worthless! She can't cook and refuses to clean. You must train her. You must train this woman to be a proper queen. If she was not with child, I would have you beat her senseless for being a complete failure. At least she is giving us an heir. She can apparently do one thing right. It better be a boy, or you both will face my disappointment.

Jillian stood in front of the king, shaking. She had tried to learn and run the kitchen, but everything she touched seemed to turn into a disaster.

She blinked away tears. The midwives say I will have a boy, Claudius.

Well, sometimes they are wrong. I had three daughters, and every time they said I would have a boy, he grumbled. "I'll have to hire more staff for the kitchen. Elle apparently did a vast portion of that work. Sadly, you are almost worthless, but it's not unexpected. I told Jereth I disapproved of your union. When the child is born,