Dal arrives in a new land with an old problem. Clever robbers are stealing silver from merchants and can't be caught. The trouble is that they're working near the border, and across it is the kingdom's old foe. Are the robbers clever or are they spies? And will Dal the Thief live down chasing those in his own trade?

Robert Collins is the author of the science-fiction novels "Monitor," "Lisa's Way," and "Expert Assistance." He's also author of the fantasy novels "Cassia" and "The Opposite of Absolute," and the young adult novel "True Friends." He has several short-story collections available, including "The Frigate Victory Omnibus Collection" and "The Case Files of Gwen Conner."