Hero In The Shadows (Waylander III): First Published 2000.

Synopsis: The third book in the Waylander series. Once a legendary assassin feared across kingdoms, Waylander is now an aging, wealthy recluse, searching for the peace and redemption that long eluded him. Haunted by the blood on his hands, he yearns for a quiet end to a violent life. But the past is not so easily buried. Old enemies stir from the shadows, and darker forces begin to move against him—among them a powerful sorcerer serving an unseen master. Faced with threats he cannot ignore and foes he cannot easily defeat, Waylander is forced to reclaim the weapons he swore never to wield again. The crossbow and sabre return to his hands, and the assassin is reborn. Joined by an idealistic young warrior, a boastful rogue carrying a stolen blade, a gifted girl with a rare and dangerous talent, and a cryptic priestess with her devoted followers, Waylander embarks on one final, perilous journey. To win his freedom from the past, he must confront the very evil he helped unleash—and destroy it, or be consumed by it.

Some of the many covers for Hero In The Shadows over the years.