In Foreign Soil, Talek, a young Riverlander, returns to his bleak and decaying hometown, Leoris Port, after a fruitless search for work in the bustling capital of Ogsrudle. The journey home is harsh, marked by relentless rain and the growing despair of a future with few prospects. Upon arrival, Talek reunites with his sister, Leola, who has been holding their fragile life together in a society where survival is a struggle and the future uncertain.

Set in a matriarchal society where power is fiercely contested and violence is common, the story delves into the brutal realities of the Riverlands, where raiding, slavery, and blood sacrifices to the Great Mother are the norms. Talek's return brings with it tales of an opportunity that could change their fates-a rumored exploration mission to a mysterious island in the northwest, where untold riches of gold might be found. But in a land where fortune is fleeting and trust is scarce, the path to such dreams is fraught with danger.

Volume I of Foreign Soil introduces readers to a world where hope is as scarce as warmth in the winter rain, and the lure of gold could either save or destroy those who seek it. As Talek and Leola navigate the treacherous waters of their society, they must decide whether the pursuit of wealth is

worth the price it demands.