Of Deeds Most Valiant: A Poisoned Saints Novel

Of Deeds Most Valiant A Poisoned Saints Novel Sarah K. L. Wilson For Mom and Dad -- Vagabonds, both. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead is coincidental. Copyright © 2023 by Sarah K. L. Wilson Cover Illustration: Bastien Jez Cover Design: Sarah K. L. Wilson Interior Art and Special Edition Case Art: Alice Duke Figure Sketches: Sarah K. L. Wilson Cover copyright © 2023 by Sarah K. L. Wilson Scanning, uploading and distribution of this book without permission is theft of the author’s intellectual property. www.sarahklwilson.com First Edition: June 2023 Contents Author’s Note: Cast And So It Begins … Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Untitled Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 And So It Complicates … Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Untitled Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 And Then There was Darkness… Chapter 24 Untitled Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Untitled Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Chapter 34 Chapter 35 Chapter 36 Chapter 37 Chapter 38 Chapter 39 Chapter 40 Chapter 41 Epilogue Acknowledgments Also by Sarah K. L. Wilson Praise for Sarah K. L. Wilson “This is the paladin tale we have been waiting for. Religious knights have been a staple in myths and legends and fantasy for centuries, but THIS story is how I’ve always wanted them done. Religious vows aren’t treated as a punchline or a weakness to overcome, but the idea of being dedicated to a higher power is handled with all the nuance and complexity such a vow deserves. The religious aspects of the different paladin are showcased in all their glory and corruption, all their divine strength and very human weakness. And it’s all couched in a gripping story of puzzles and lies, treachery and devotion, doubt and faith. Victoriana and Adalbrand, (and even the enigmatic Hefertus) have reset the standard for paladin. I loved every minute of this tale.” J. A. Andrews, Author of The Keeper’s Chronicles Author’s Note: In summer of 2020, my best author friend suggested we read Tamsyn Muir’s “Gideon the Ninth” together, and as I raced through that book and the following book, I was in awe of the ability of Muir to trace the various lines and musings of what it would be like to live in a world dominated by necromancers. Her deep dive into that magical bent was masterful. And from my admiration of it was born the desire to write my own deep dive — not into those who dance in death but those who dance in faith. From these inspirations, came the makings of this book and the others that will follow it. They are not an ordered series but rather individual tales of valiant bravery and terrible magic. I hope that by them I will do paladins justice. Some books I write for readers. I know what they want and I try to give it to them. This book is not one of those. This book is written for one, and I hope it is pleasing. Sarah K. L. Wilson March 8, 2023 Cast Aspect of the Rejected God — Vagabond Paladins This aspect travels the word intent on casting out demons. They renounce wealth and may ask any favor of the God — though he may not answer as they hope. Victoriana Greenmantle Sir Branson Brindle Aspect of the Sorrowful God — Poisoned Saints This aspect renounces affection and is given by the God the gift of healing. Adalbrand Von Menticure Aspect of the Benevolent God — Prince Paladins This aspect renounces worry and may speak a blessing over anything and see it miraculously take place — but And So Chapter One