**“**Galen slumped forward with his head in his hands. “I’ve failed, Alese. I swore I would never again pick up a sword. Not only have I picked it up, I’ve killed men with it. Twice!” For centuries the elite warriors known as the Bendarii had been selected and trained by the Luru people in the mountains as master swordsmen and horsemen. Responsible for choosing the King of Bendarr and protecting him once he was chosen, they believed that the best way to win a fight was not to get in one. Ten years ago, the usurper King, Archol, had assassinated King Thelar and had all the members of the Bendarii executed. Or so he thought. Galen and his brother, both Bendarii Captains, managed to escape the purge. He and his wife take up the life of farmers, and Galen swears he will never pick up a sword again. With their new son, Regar, the family lives a peaceful life on the land, hiding in plain sight. To save his family, Galen and his brother must kill four soldiers, after which they are forced to flee their home again. They seek safety in the neighboring country of Hrutha. But as they find out, even in another country, safety is elusive. Deep in Bendarr’s Vlandaril Mountains, the Luru Council plans to create a new group of Bendarii and wrest the crown from Archol’s head. They need someone to lead these new Bendarii. But is Galen the man they’re looking for?