Book excerpt: When his kingdom waged a holy crusade to reclaim a sacred artifact long thought lost, Legalt Dramis made a name for himself as a peerless warrior. Known by friend and foe alike as Crimson Flash for his incredible combat prowess, he carved a bloody swath through his enemies and succeeded against impossible odds to bring the Divine Oath back to its rightful place. Upon his return, however, he surprised the world by turning his back on both his homeland and nobility, choosing instead the life of a mercenary. Six years after his departure, as war looms once more on the horizon, Legalt is hired back into service and finds himself drawn into a conflict that threatens to reveal the dark truth behind the Crusade, as well as the secret behind the legendary Crimson Flash himself.