Former mercenary Loren survived his first adventure by the skin of his teeth. Now he's bound to Lapis the priest by an ever-growing debt. In the middle of his first attempt to repay her, they stumble on a young high-born girl, alone and unconscious in the woods. Her name is Scena, and she's a long way from home. The reward for her safe return will be substantial, but the road is full of dangers--including Scena. Her escorts keep dying, and if Loren and Lapis don't find out why, they may well be next.