While locked in her bedroom, Halla inspects the ancient sword that’s been collecting dust on the wall since before she moved in. Out of desperation, she unsheathes it – and suddenly a man appears. His name is Sarkis, he tells her, and he is an immortal warrior trapped in a prison of enchanted steel.
Sarkis is sworn to protect whoever wields the sword, and for Halla – a most unusual wielder – he finds himself fending off not grand armies and deadly assassins but instead everything from kindly-seeming bandits to roving inquisitors to her own in-laws. But as Halla and Sarkis grow closer, they overlook the biggest threat of all – the sword itself.
Widowed Halla has been her uncle-in-law’s housekeeper for years. When he dies, she is surprised to discover she has inherited his estate. Her other in-laws are even more surprised, and lock her up until she agrees to marry the expected beneficiary.
Sarkis has been imprisoned in a sword, under a curse to serve whoever owns it. Halla now owns that sword. Maybe he can save her from her in-laws, and other perils that might befall a wealthy widow. But can Halla survive discovering why Sarkis was imprisoned?
This is a fun take on the opposites attract theme, with a middle-aged protagonist, and her not necessarily heroic bodyguard. The world building is interesting, and highlighted by Sarkis’ culture shock on being in the simultaneously decadent and restrictive South. The resolution is satisfying, villains get their comeuppances, and, although this tale concludes, there is the possibility of another story in this world.
