For centuries, the legendary Protector, Jehrke Victorious, has kept safe the Crossroad of the World—Shasesserre. The City is kept guarded and blanketed from smaller-scale threats to dark magical anomalies. All was calm and peaceful for generations under the peaceful wizardry—until one day, a mysterious stranger brutally murders the Protector. In this tale of , responsibility now falls on Rider, the slain Protector’s son. Presuming responsibilities as Protector of Shasesserre, he dedicates his duty to avenge his father’s death. Joined by his loyal companions, Rider is not alone in his search for the killer. His companions are a diverse bunch, which include a shape-shifting imp, a northern barbarian, a wild philosopher, and many others. Together, Rider and his companions battle against the vile minions of the brooding Kralj Odehnal. Soon they will face the ultimate evil, Shai Khe, the merciless sorcerer bent on ruling all of Shasesserre. The desperate mission will be a hard-fought one. They will utilize the sharpest of swords while facing the most powerful of spells. Skyhorse Publishing, under our Night Shade and Talos imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of titles for readers interested in science fiction (space opera, time travel, hard SF, alien invasion, near-future dystopia), fantasy (grimdark, sword and sorcery, contemporary urban fantasy, steampunk, alternative history), and horror (zombies, vampires, and the occult and supernatural), and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a bestseller, a national bestseller, or a Hugo or Nebula award-winner, we are committed to publishing quality books from a diverse group of authors.