Sequel to Newbery Medal winning fantasy novel, The Thief.

In a firelit torture chamber, the executioner's sword descends and Gen, The Thief, no longer has his clever right hand. The Queen of Attolia sits calmly and watches the dreadful amputation behind her carefully cultivated mask of coldness, but later agonises over what she has done. At the same time, she rages inwardly for not hanging the miscreant outright. Gen has matured, yet still retains the same witty talent for crafty schemes of espionage and theft.Once again, the writer holds back a major surprise for all. What can a one-handed thief steal? Maybe he can steal peace – and maybe also something for himself…