From the beginning, there have been guardians of the Holy Catholic Church. Vowed to Christ, these saints, martyrs and heroes have always stood between good and evil. They have always pushed back against those that would commit atrocities. As mankind traversed galaxies and found myriad other species in need of evangelization, the Church created new guardians for this new mission. Known as The Knights 1513, the Brotherhood of Those Washed in the Water and Blood from His Side, they have sworn their lives to Jesus and His bride, the Church.

Raiders from the sea assault a monastery on a far-off planet. Leave death and plundering in their wake. A lone Knights 1513 spec ops team must make a daring stealth recovery.

In this prequel to Stigmata Invicta, learn the origin story of Brother Becket, the newest member assigned to Commander Brigid's team. A ruthless band from a warrior culture absconds across the Devil's Throat Sea with priceless cargo in tow. A new team of Knights manage to secretly get on board the cargo containers to retrieve the stolen valuables. There, they discover much more than they prepared for. They discover life.

The vessel is a crude, imposing thing literally built on bones. Its captain, a merciless predator, is in possession of a stolen relic that confounds him. His new first mate, a sailor not made for their cruelty, is beginning to hear the voice of God.

Brother Becket and his team fight against a continuous onslaught and try to survive long enough to complete their mission. Then, every man is willing to lay down his life for another. Every man must rise to the occasion. Those who are left, anyway.

Blessed Solanus Casey once stated, "Do not pray for easier lives; pray to be stronger. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks."

Ryan Sayles married his high school sweetheart. Through his wife's selfless generosity, his quiver has been filled with seven arrows. He drove boats for the military and policed in bad neighborhoods. Now he is a tradesman. He's published several secular novels, mostly in the crime genre.