Nine of Ahdar: Karam

Nine warriors. One oath. One rule they must never break.

In a world set in ancient northern Nigeria, nine warriors guard the villages and the great well of Ahdar Wells.

They serve no throne and may never love a woman of the villages. For one night before every battle, they light a blue lamp. A veiled woman answers it and leaves before dawn.

Karam has kept the oath all his life. Then he's sent to guard a princess who isn't afraid of danger, or of him.

Every night he stands outside her door. Every night the oath weighs a little less.

What the storm gives, a Warden must hold. What the heart wants, he must leave at the door.

But some doors don't stay closed.