The Paladin

Locus Award nominee 1989.

Beyond the haunted hills of Mon lives Shoka, Lord Saukendar, the paragon swordmaster who escaped the corrupt court of Chiyaden for a reclusive life of peace. The veteran master turns away all the hopeful youths who risk their lives to seek his mountain exile and learn his secrets. But it is the girl named Taizu, disguising herself as a scarred and half starved urchin, who secures the promise of this tutelage and surpasses all the swordsmen he has crossed.

With the Emperor approaching his thirtieth year, Chiyaden's court is still governed by the implacable Lord Ghita while its provinces are overrun by marauding bands of mercenaries and bandits. Only Taizu's passion for justice and revenge can persuade the legendary Lord Saukendar to join her in taking up his sword once more to restore the Throne of Chiyaden to its rightful heir.