The Rotten King (Death's Door Trilogy #1)

Protected for almost ten centuries by the magic within its walls and the strength of the Olorum line, the city of Helvia stands as a bastion of tradition, civility, and good wine. The return of its lord, more than a decade after his mysterious disappearance, should have been an auspicious sign. But now it seems that misfortune has shadowed his return, come to plague the ancient city.

As the rains of Lament lash the land in an unrelenting downpour, monstrous creatures and assassins now lurk in the dark corners of the city, stalking the streets at night. A series of gruesome murders and rumors of an army to the east have the citizens of Helvia on edge, and all eyes now turn to Lord Melyon to guide them through these troubled times. Two unlikely allies stand at his side: Teriel, a no-nonsense witch from the swamps of the Ire, and Lyrant, an errant sell-sword with the curse of Chaos seemingly never far behind. As rot begins to fester in the city and beyond its walls, will Helvia and its defenders be strong enough to prevail?