An action-packed novella from acclaimed fantasy author Brian Ruckley, following the adventures of the Free — the most feared mercenary company the world has ever seen.
Wren is a Clever, someone who can shape the unseen forces of the world. Such powers are more a curse than a blessing, and Wren has been running all of her life — from the consequences of her actions, and from those who would use her abilities for their own ends.
Now she finally has a direction. Rumours talk of a legendary Clever living in the Hommetic Kingdom's borderlands, a man who can teach her how to control the forces that rage inside her — if she can find him.
Yet enemies from Wren's past hound her every step, and a horde of ferocious barbarians ravages the very lands that she must travel. Somewhere in this chaos, the Free — the most feared mercenary company in the world — are fighting against the invaders. Surely they would help her in her quest . . .
Or perhaps the Free will need her help even more.