Blades of Ardenia: Books 1-3 by Jon Kiln

Malthus Vane, a 52-year-old mercenary with a reputation for ruthless efficiency, has spent decades selling his sword to the highest bidder across the fractured kingdoms of Ardenia. Once a respected commander in the royal army, he deserted after witnessing the king’s betrayal of his own people during the Crimson Siege. Now he lives by a simple code: trust no one, complete the contract, survive.

When a desperate merchant offers Malthus a fortune in ancient Shadowglass coins to transport his 14-year-old daughter, Elysia Thorne, to the distant port city of Dunmire, he reluctantly accepts.