Doefrit the scholar, called Bends by friends and enemies alike, is short of cash but full of wit. Fortunately, there is always an opportunity for a man with observant eyes and a quick tongue. The Azerdondea dynasty has chosen to make Libreigia their home, and any scholar with half a mind can pay his bar bills by rubbing shoulders with the aristocracy. But nobles are dangerous people to cross. So are ghosts and spirit mediums. Everyone has a tale to tell, but not everyone wants those stories told.