Signed by the author on the title page. Young Lord Penric now wears the white robes of the Bastard's Order, complete with shoulder braids marking him as a divine and sorcerer, while he pursues scholarly studies in the court of the Princess-Archdivine. His demon of disorder, Desdemona, is of course present, accounted for, and offering clever commentary, particularly when she grows bored. When a Locator of the Father's Order shows up on the Archdivine's threshold, in need of a sorcerer for a journey, and she volunteers Penric, at least Des is thrilled with the prospect of an adventure. As they travel into the mountains to locate Inglis, a shaman accused of murdering his best friend, the situation grows into a test for all of Penric's developing talents.
Awards: ♦ Finalist for the 2017 Hugo Award for Best Novella