A new entry in the award-winning FitzDuncan series, covering Caz's first years in the capital.

You've never been to the city of Aquileia before. After resigning your commission in the Rangers, you arrive with only the name of an inn owned by a former sergeant who served under you. Your only civilian clothes are seven years old. You do have a sword, though-a magnificent blade left to you by your grandfather.

You have enough money to support yourself for a year or two, but you need a plan for the future. Not only that, but after four years of boarding school, then seven years in the Rangers, you have no experience with the fairer sex-none at all. Women are a complete mystery.

In a stroke of good fortune, you encounter your old friend, Freddy-Lord Rawlinsford. Freddy has an embarrassing problem. He begs you to help him resolve it. Thus begins the first of Caz's exciting escapades.

Caz finds a way to make a living helping people when the law cannot. He comes to the attention of Sir Oliver West, the Principal of the City Watch. While Sir Oliver is willing to provide discreet assistance under the right circumstance, he does not hesitate to throw Caz in a cell when he goes too far.

Is it possible to be a virtuous thief? An honorable con man? A righteous cheat?