Canandor the Rogue: Canandor of Zorr, #1

By Jessup Carnavon

In the world of Zorr, there are swords . . . there is sorcery . . . and there is:

 

Canandor: a rogue from the northern hill country, seeking adventure with a blade and a smile

 

The Bloody Souls: a street gang in the city of Islos, born for theft and action - but can Canandor survive them?

 

Lady Ellra: the beautiful noblewoman from whom Canandor stole the greatest treasure of all - her heart

 

Zex: Canandor's rival, whose envy will lead him to make a dark deal

 

Ravenna: a dark-haired rogue who wants Canandor for herself

 

and Malkith: master of dark magic, whose fate will tangle with the fate of the Bloody Souls like two serpents twisting around each other

 

His name is adventure. His name is fantasy. His name is . . . Canandor the Rogue.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessup Carnavon
• Release date: Mar 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224620418

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The western city of Islos was a hive of bustling streets and shadowy alleyways, and in its darkest corners lurked the Bloody Souls. As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, Canandor navigated his way through a narrow alley, toward the entrance of a dimly lit tavern.

Ho there, northerner! A burly figure blocked his path. It was Mogo, his belly jutting out, almost like a badge of his office. You've taken a wrong turn, haven't you?

Canandor grinned, flashing a row of white teeth. Or maybe just the right one. I hear the Bloody Souls are recruiting.

Mogo laughed heartily. Got spirit, do ya? But what's with the red skin? You been lying in the sun too long?

Canandor chuckled. Gift from The Goddess of my people. I wear it proudly. He twirled his long hair with a wink. You like?

Ravenna stepped forward, her dark eyes appraising Canandor. What makes you think you can join the Bloody Souls?

Canandor leaned in, his cool confidence evident. Because you haven't seen what I can do.

Zex, appearing from the shadows, tilted his head. I decide who joins. And you, boy, will have to prove yourself.

Name it, Canandor said with a smirk.

Ravenna pointed to a high balcony across the street. Retrieve the amulet that hangs in the chamber beyond that balcony. And do it without being seen.

With a running start, Canandor deftly climbed the stone wall, using cracks and crevices as handholds. His northern agility was unmatched in Islos. In minutes, he had scaled the building and was out of sight.

Below, Zex murmured, He's got some skill.

Ravenna nodded. And some style. That hair, though.

Mogo laughed, rubbing his bald head. What's wrong with long hair? If I had some, I'd grow it out too!

Canandor descended just as swiftly, holding the amulet in his hand. By The Goddess, that was fun. Anything else?

Zex nodded in approval. You have skills, northerner. Welcome to the Bloody Souls.

Ravenna approached him, a playful glint in her eyes. I have to admit, I'm impressed. But don't let it go to your head. Or your hair.

Canandor winked. No promises. By The Goddess, this is going to be an adventure.

Mogo wrapped an arm around Canandor. Welcome, red-skin. Next challenge: outdrink me!

Everyone laughed as they headed into the tavern, a new member added to their ranks and a promise of more adventures to come.

CHAPTER 2

The tavern was loud with merriment and the occasional brawl, but the corner where the Bloody Souls convened was untouched by chaos. The gang's reputation preceded them, and few dared disturb their revelry.

Mogo was the first to toast. To our new brother, the red-skinned wonder from the north!

Everyone cheered, including Canandor, who promptly held up his drink and shouted, To The Goddess!

Zex leaned over, an amused glint in his eye. You really are a devout one, aren’t you?

Canandor laughed. Where I come from, The Goddess watches over us. Keeps us safe in the wilds, you know?

Ravenna smirked, swirling her drink. And here in Islos, our blades and wits keep us safe. Perhaps you can introduce your Goddess to them?

Canandor, ever the jovial spirit, winked. She’d probably get along with them just fine.

The evening continued with Canandor sharing tales of his homeland, of hunting beasts in the snow and climbing sheer cliffs to pluck rare flowers for rituals. His stories were met with a mix of awe, skepticism, and laughter.

At one point, Canandor attempted to teach Mogo