Aris, Ferret, and Nails have each been honing their skills, trying to find their place within the tumultuous world of Li Syval's ever-battling Houses. Aris and Ferret are sent as the representatives of House Leconta on a sea journey to the island of Skellos, where the dwarves have their own hidden agendas. In the meantime, Nails is assigned by his superiors in the temple to an investigation into some stolen goods that will lead him and his fellow acolytes to the most dangerous parts of the city. What none of them know is that their missions intersect with a deeper scheme, one organized by people who have no problem with eliminating anyone who gets in their way. The three reluctant young people will find that in some cases, becoming a hero is needed just to survive.