Haskell wants to be a legend, loved by all and rich beyond measure. A hero like his grandfather, who broke the orcish hordes. But the old world is gone, its remnants left to rot in the borderlands far away. Froba wants to be free⁠ from hunger and privation; free from a brutal master forcing her to steal from men and women vainly chasing glory. She knows what they don't: that the deck is stacked against them, and there are no heroes left in the world. To survive, Haskell must forget tales of glory and accept unwelcome truths, while Froba must decide where her loyalties lie—with her carefree mark or mirthless master. If they aren't devoured by fierce woodland monsters first.