Oath of fealty

Moon, Elizabeth ~ Oath of Fealty ~ Ballentine, 2010 ~ 40 chapters, 471 pages ~ Audience: Adults, teens ~ Rating: superior.

Opening:

“A small boy clambered from a cellar wall into an alley. He picked his way through the trash along the wall to a nearby street, walked quickly to the next turning, went left, then right.”

Publication History:

I suspect that this is the first volume in a new series. However, the earlier books about Paksenarrion serve well as prequels, especially Oath of Gold and the Deed of Paksenarrion. While this volume may be read without the earlier books, the complex history revealed there would provide a more complete and realized setting.

Setting:

The eight kingdoms north of the Dwarfmounts and Aarenis below the mountains provide the larger setting. More specifically, the story is set in Tsaia and Lyonya in the north and Aarenis in the South. Technology, economics, and politics is medieval in nature. While cities and kingdoms have small armed forces, mercenary forces of varying quality and effectiveness are the main military force. In particular, each of the main characters was formerly part of Duke Phelan's Company -- the best of all the mercenaries. Descriptive writing is more than adequate and the reader clearly sees the land or cityscape as the story moves forward.

Plot:

Quite unexpectedly, Duke Phelan has been chosen to be the new king of Lyonya. Half-elf and half-human, Phelan is surprised to discover that he is closely related to the royal family. When he goes to Lyonya to assume his new duties, Arcolin [one of his captains] becomes head of the company and may become a duke as well. Dorrin, also a captain, was born into the notorious Verrakai family, which is suspected of using an old, evil, and forbidden magic. In fact, she ran away from home at a young age and refuses any connection with her family. Like Arcolin, she is a distinguished warrior and a thoughtful military leader. Paksenarrion appears in this story but in a relatively minor role.

When a Verrakai attempts to use over-powering magic to kill the king of Tsaia, Dorrin, surprisingly, is asked to become Duke Verrakai, swear an oath to the King, and do whatever is needed to eliminate the evil in that house. Needless to say, nearly everyone at court doubts her integrity and ability to deal with her former family. Too, there is the question of powerful, forbidden magics and whether she can use them. In fact, she doubts that she has any magical ability at all.

Phelan receives a mixed reception in Lyonya. Many in court are uncertain about a mercenary soldier as king, especially one who is both eleven and human. Too, someone seems eager to disrupt things and slay him before this coronation.

Arcolin faces the responsibilities of now leading the Company rather than being a senior officer. His story is more commonplace as he leads the company south to perform its usual duties protecting civilians and commerce.

While the story ends satisfactorily, clearly there is more to come.

Characters:

While there are a goodly variety of well-described and quite believable characters, the focus is on the three main characters. The evil characters lack any redeeming value so tend to be a bit stereotypical. Dorrin faces the most challenges so we learn more about her family background, her doubts, and her character.

Physical Book:

White space is average and print is reasonably dark for a trade cloth edition. See-through is average. A more detailed map of the geography described in the story would aid the reader.  Jacket art by Paul You'll shows Dorrin's face and shoulders with sword in hand. The background shows a warrior and riders. It is nicely done and true to the story. The front matter includes a helpful list of characters, a map, and the author's introduction to the work and its place in the Paksenarrion series.

Recommendation:

While the parts of the story dealing with the Verrakai are bleak and violent, the overall tone is a hopeful where excellent leaders make good decision and are ready to face the consequences. The plot contains the usual elements--sword play, magic, strong leaders, sturdy companions, and some corrupt officials--but all fit together in a convincing and understandable manner. The outcomes are predictable, but there are enough threats and surprises to keep the pages turning.

Moon's SF novels have been both popular and much praised. However, her heroic fantasy, especially the Paksenarrion series, has become a noted milestone in the field, representing her very best work. Oath of Fealty, and the following volumes, should be added to nearly all fantasy collections, and especially where the earlier volumes are held.