Victory over the painted invaders was but a prelude to a new conflict that threatens the Western Reach. Led by convict-captain Prentice Ash, the Duchess's army has driven off the invaders from the west and Prentice has won his freedom. But the Reach is far from safe. Rats are lurking in the Duchess's capital and they mean to destroy her. Merchants and noblemen plot to rob Amelia of her province's wealth while criminals and mercenaries prowl through the streets. Meanwhile, the new prince, Daven Marcus, comes west with foolish plans that threaten to rip the Reach out of Amelia's hands. Once again, she has no choice but to rely on Prentice and his ragtag group of former convicts. Soon, the vermin of Dweltford's shadows will learn that a new pack of rats has come to town, ones loyal to the rightful ruler and ready to kill and die in her name: the Duchess's Rats of Dweltford.
