Star-trading Clan Korval--known to Terrans as the Tree-and-Dragon Family
and to the locals simply as the Dragon--has been convicted of crimes
against the homeworld. No matter that one of the "crimes" consisted of
saving the elitist planet of Liad from very real internal threats, the
Council of Clans wanted Korval heads to roll. Unfortunately for the
council, the Dragon's allies conspired to impose a milder punishment for
saving the world: banishment rather than execution.
Now relocated to the free-for-all world of Surebleak, the Dragon is
under contract to keep the Port Road open to all traffic and to back the
New Bosses in imposing law and order on a society originally based on
larceny and assassination. This modest rustication is going surprisingly
well until Korval discovers that the enemy they'd sought to destroy
wasn't quite destroyed. And is more determined than ever to eradicate
Korval.
While the banishment killed no one initially, many of Korval's trading
allies are spooked. Some are reneging on ancient agreements, leaving the
Dragon to make its own way. The clan's efforts to stealthily recruit new
allies is going haywire, and a secret death toll is rising even as the
clan's adherents endure increasing exposure to danger and deceit off
world.
To make matters worse, an active portion of Surebleak's native
population liked the Old Ways just fine and are conspiring to take the
New Bosses--and the Dragon--down and are sure they have the firepower
and people to do it.
The exiled Dragon has to make an urgent choice: accept an alliance with
criminals or face down each and every enemy in person, one by one.
