The Way of the Shield

The Way of the Shield is a 2018 novel by Marshall Ryan Maresca, and is the first novel in the Maradaine Elite series, as well as the eighth released overall Maradaine Sequence.

Description
Dayne Heldrin always dreamed of being a member of the Tarian Order. In centuries past, the Elite Orders of Druthal were warriors that stood for order, justice, and the common people. But now, with constables, King's Marshals, and a standing army, there is little need for such organizations, and the Tarian Order is one of the last remnants of this ancient legacy. Nevertheless, Dayne trained his body and mind, learned the arts of defense and fighting, to become a candidate for the Tarian Order.

When a failed rescue puts Dayne at fault for injuring the child of a powerful family, his future with the Tarians is in jeopardy. The Parliament controls the purse strings for the Order, and Dayne has angered the wrong members of Parliament. He returns to the capital city of Maradaine in shame, ready to be cast out of the Order when the period of his candidacy ends.

Dayne finds Maradaine in turmoil, as revolutions and dark conspiracies brew around him, threatening members of Parliament and common people alike. Dayne is drawn into the uproar, desperate not to have one more death or injury on his conscience, but the Order wants him to stay out of the situation. The city threatens to tear itself apart, and Dayne must decide between his own future and his vow to always stand between the helpless and harm.

The Way of the Shield dives deeply into the politics of Maradaine and Druthal. The first of the novels to take place primarily on the north side of the river, the Elites series involves intricate political and electoral plotting, in addition to the action. It also becomes very difficult to summarize without spoilers.

Characters
Tarian Order Parliamentarians Lady Mirianne Henson
 * Grandmaster Orren
 * Dayne Heldrin
 * Jerinne Fendall
 * Master Denbar
 * Amaya Tyrell
 * Vien Reston
 * Aldric and Price
 * Enther
 * Raila Gendon
 * Julian Barton
 * Jackson Seabrook
 * Mason Ressin
 * Pollock Yessinwood
 * Wesley Benedict
 * Samuel Benedict
 * Alphonse Montrose
 * Erick Parlin

The Veracity Press Major Silla Altarn
 * Hemmit Eyairin
 * Lin Shartien
 * Maresh Niol

Haltom's Patriots Archduke Holm Windall of Oblune
 * Tharek Pell
 * Lannic Falson
 * Kemmer
 * Braning
 * Shaw
 * Gillem

Marshal Chief Regine Toscan

Chief Justice Feller Pin

Colonel Neills

Sholiar