The raw, dark inclination of humanity is for a person to elevate himself at the expense of another human being. Diaxophas is a dog-eat-dog world in which everyone is trying to claw their way to the top for his own purpose. One man's fate often rests in the hands of those whose actions may have wide-reaching and unforeseen ramifications. In this collection of stories, the fate of the Tempests is delicately intertwined with the actions of Sharpknife, King Aglar, Tasch, Malef, and Xeveryn. Come wallow in that gray area where wrong looks right, right looks wrong, and heroes and villains dance with similar cadences. Come experience the comedy, adventure, and intrigue of the Tempests. Come descend into the maelstrom.