It's been a year since the mysterious godsgem cured Cadrium's king; the heroes who brought home the gem are renowned in story and song. Apprentice Knight Kalanthe Ironheart has no intention of giving up the notoriety she's earned, but reputation doesn't pay her bills. Olsa Rhetsdaughter, beggar and thief, was pulled into Kalanthe's orbit, and now is reluctant to leave it. But her fame has made her profession difficult, and a choice between poverty and the noose isn't much of a choice at all. Kalanthe and Olsa fight to maintain their newfound independence-- and to find their way back to each other.