He thought he had seen everything, then the people of the Cities called him a hero.

Velananc has vanished, a new Fate roams the streets, and Japhet has other problems: the local cabal has admitted they know he's present. It ought to be enough for anyone to juggle, but he can't turn around without walking into a monster on the once-tame streets of Liath-Tamren. Worse, the Fah Disan has come to him with a terrible suspicion: this is the doing of his brethren. Both assassinated kings, even the demon. Meant to destabilize the north for the empire's retaking.

Meanwhile, Ephrem's investigation progresses. He left Liath-Tamren to remove himself from Japhet's affairs before his meddling got him killed, but he finds himself more invested than ever. The secrets he uncovers will have far-reaching implications.