Publisher's blurb:
Villagers are disappearing and for local Reeve, Kalon Takis, this poses a problem. A shortfall in population in even such a small Town as Revakhar means a shortfall in taxed revenue. This means stern words from his Diar overlords and the possible loss of his position (along with his head). Kalon is no stranger to investigating a mystery but this always takes time and patience. The life of a Reeve allows for very little of either. Instead Kalon has decided to chance his arm pre-emptively. Having convinced the Diar to provide a hefty sum for the locating and safe returning of his people, Kalon is looking for someone with the fortitude to accomplish this on his behalf – quickly and discretely. As the disappearances become more frequent the people of Revakhar share stories of their grief with those of neighbouring villages, who in turn share these stories at market in the nearest City – Zanthaka. There are no shortage of blades for hire in this City, nor is there a deficit of prying eyes and ears.