In the land of Allothi-Zorn of Northmarch and Grayall of Wellworth have both had their lives upended by the downfall of the Realm. Other than that, the dispossessed ariston and the once prosperous trader have little in common. Despite their differences, they worked together to solve a brutal murder in the village of Arandell. Having reached a tentative accord, they decide to travel to Allothi's commercial center, the Exchanges. There Grayall will use old friendships and her trader's expertise to assist Zorn in selling her ariston insignia, the only wealth she has left. However, Grayall remains uneasy about Zorn-her chilling detachment, her skill with weapons, her willingness to defend herself without hesitation. During their journey, Grayall learns just how lethal those traits can be. Despite that lesson-or rather because of it-they arrive in the Exchanges safely. But with another murderer on the loose and an embittered servitor making threats, Grayall fears that Zorn of Northmarch will prove to be the most dangerous person of all.