The Paladin

"The Paladin" is the tale of an aging swordmaster, living in reclusion, trying to deal with a prospective student who wants him to return to the world and deal with the Evil Usurper. The plot is hardly original, although there are a few interesting twists. Even so, the story is well told and thoroughly enjoyable. It's worth noting that it dates from a time when fantasy novels could be simple, straightforward, and well-written; that was enough. These days it can be a little more complicated.