"Before I show you who I am, I want you to remember what you're fighting for," Aide replied cautiously and gave them all a piercing stare. "Keep an open mind." "Just tell us, lad," Hanke snarled impatiently and bobbed his sword. "Brace yourselves," Aide said as he slowly reached for his hood. Emaia's heart pounded vigorously in her chest, so loudly, she feared people could hear. This was it. She would finally see the face of her rescuer, the face she had so longed to see. Aide gave them all one last lingering look before he closed his eyes. "Your whole world is about to change." He punctuated his sentence by pulling off his hood. The entire crowd gasped and all readied their weapons, as long silver hair burst free from the cloak and long slender ears appeared. It was impossible, Emaia thought. They had been extinct for decades. But there was no denying it. She looked at the man who had rescued her a few nights ago, and remembered him as charming and valiant. It all made so much sense now-why he could do, what he could do. He was an elf. And not just any elf. - A Northern Elf.

Sam is the most promising swordsman among this year’s crop of Paladin trainees...and knows it. Brash, cocky, and unbeatable with a sword (well, almost), Sam is the kingdom of Thule’s best hope against the violence wrought by demons. The only problem is that Sam is really Lady Samantha, daughter of the seventeenth Duke of Haywood, and if her father has his way, she’ll be marrying a Paladin, not becoming one. But Sam has never held much interest in playing damsel-in-distress, and so she rescues herself from a lifetime of boredom and matrimonial drudgery. Pity that Tristan Lyons, the Paladin assigned to train her, is none other than the hero of her childhood. He hasn’t recognized her as Lady Samantha--yet-- but if he does, he’ll take away her sword and send her packing. Sam is not the only trainee hiding secrets: Braeden is a half-demon with a dark past that might be unforgivable. Sam, Braeden and Tristan set out for the western coast, charged with rooting out an infestation of demons that has made the West unlivable. As they travel, they uncover a deep-seated corruption of power that threatens to derail everything they stand for. Rebellion stirs, led by a rival faction of warriors who tempt Sam to join them with an irresistible offer. A war between men is coming, and Sam must pick a side. Will saving the kingdom cost her life -- or just her heart? Reminiscent of Mulan, but with a medieval fantasy twist, Paladin is a tale of adventure, action, and romance.