Berren has lived in the city all his life. He has made his way as a thief, paying a little of what he earns to the master of their band, Hatchet. But there is a twist to this thief's tale.

One day Berren goes to watch an execution of three thieves. He watches as the thief-taker takes his reward and decides to try and steal the prize. He fails. The young thief is taken. But the thief-taker spots something in Berren. And the boy reminds him of someone as well. Berren, not that the he has much choice, becomes his apprentice.

And is introduced to a world of shadows, deceit, and corruption behind the streets he thought he knew. A city where he must learn to take not purses, but lives...