Gyll Hermond was spawned in the dark streets of Neweden, a world torn apart by intrigue and blood-feud. He'd molded a ragged band of kinless outcasts into a trained killing force – the Hoorka Assassins' Guild – only to be deposed as leader in a bitter struggle for power. Now Fate brings Gyll back to Neweden as military commander of a powerful Trading Family. Hoorka has become a lethal weapon in the hands of a repressive regime. And Gyll must risk his life in a final confrontation with his own deadly creation.