The legendary rogue trader charters: Imperial warrants of unimaginable antiquity, which can bring their bearers wealth and power barely imaginable. Now that Rogue Trader Hoyyon Phrax is dead, his charter is being brought to the great fortress-system of Hydraphur to be ceremonially bequeathed to his son, and already the vultures are circling. Shira Calpurnia does not want the charter. She can't help wishing she had never heard of the charter. But she has been appointed to ensure that the will and testament of Hoyyon Phrax is carried out according to Imperial law. And that means that when the rival heirs decide that due process be damned and go all-out for their prize, it's Calpurnia and her Arbites who must don their armour, take up their weapons and get ready for action...