Description

A paladin in the service of the Goddess pledges their life to the cause. They dispense justice, defend the meek, and spread the light of her faith across the realm. They are the Goddess’s hand, her sword and shield, and their every action is done in her name.

Not out of duty. Or out of tradition. Accepting the mantle of paladin in the Goddess’s service isn’t a lifestyle one falls into or grows tired of. It’s a lifetime of selfless sacrifice in the name of the Goddess. Most die before their primes, standing against orcish hordes or sinister liches. Some die at the peak of their powers, fighting the very forces of Hell.

Those are the lucky ones, for the contract between Goddess and paladin is irrevocable.

Participant in the June 2024 Royal Road Community Magazine Contest

What readers say about Karin, the Goddess's Sword (RRCM June 2024)

“A magnificent short story, I loved the way the author tied the protagonist's younger adventures together with her one in her twilight years. The world building was good enough that I felt the world was deserving of a full novel. I liked the protagonist, she…”

FooBarTrixieBellRoyal Road5.0 / 5

“Style Score: I put 5 stars because it made me feel truly immersed. Grammar Score: I didn't notice any mistakes, but if they were some then I probably missed them due to being too immersed and thus it might have prevented me from noticing them. So take it as…”

sancturilloreRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Community Reviews(2)

FooBarTrixieBellRoyal Road

★★★★★ 5.0

A magnificent short story, I loved the way the author tied the protagonist's younger adventures together with her one in her twilight years. The world building was good enough that I felt the world was deserving of a full novel.
I liked the protagonist, she was very relatable and real and though we didn't get much of a view of her 'shield' her views of him gave us a feel for the character that made me invested in his survival.

sancturilloreRoyal Road

★★★★★ 5.0

Style Score: I put 5 stars because it made me feel truly immersed.
Grammar Score: I didn't notice any mistakes, but if they were some then I probably missed them due to being too immersed and thus it might have prevented me from noticing them. So take it as either 4.5 or 5 stars.
Story Score: I sadly don't feel like I can give the story itself a perfect score. Rather than being story driven, this one was more so character driven. Karin is the one who makes the story worth reading. The world building was quite interesting however so I'm still giving this section a high score. Another reason I'm giving a high score in this category is due to the rich and positive depiction of religion that is so rare to see nowadays.
Character Score: This deserves to be more than 5 stars out of 5, but the highest score being 5, it is thus where I put it.
I absolutely love Karin's character. Like I mentioned above, she is what moves the story and makes it so captivating.
Overall, this story was a wonderful short story about an old paladin who struggles with restlessness over retirement from active duty as a protector of the people.
On one hand, I feel like I want to witness what is to come next for Karin. On the other hand, I also feel that this is a story best kept concise and that this is a good stopping point for our view into her life.
In other words, it is a story that left me wanting for me yet also satisfied me.