Sembia An empire run by rich merchants, hungry for even more gold and power. Thamalon Uskevren: The fearless leader of the proud Uskevren family. Shamur Uskevren: A woman with a long and mysterious past who became Selgaunt’s most influential woman. Thamalon Uskevren Jr .: He inherits everything if he can survive. Thazienne Uskevren: The rebellious girl who takes to the streets of the city at night - like her mother once did. Talbot Uskevren: The second-born boy is not even hit by a fatal curse. Erevis Cale: A trusted servant and master thief who serves two masters. Larajin: An innocent maid whose life holds startling secrets.

The story, which consists of seven short stories, takes place within the strong walls of Selgaunt, on the north shore of the Starfish Sea, in the realm of Sembia. We go to the valley time in 1371, the year of the Silent Harp. Sembia is ruled by rich merchants. The short stories introduce one of the most influential merchant families, the Uskevren House.