Crow-the best thief in all the glittering empire-hasn't stolen so much as a single sentin in months. Hunting demons set loose by a mad wizard has put a serious cramp in his style. In the hands of the Emperor's Eagles, he must march through the wilds, trap creatures he has nothing against, and refrain from practicing his most excellent skills. But all that changes with an imperial summons. At the capital, the new challenge awaiting him is nothing so simple as absconding with a madman's bauble. The emperor wants him to steal an entire person. Crow does not steal people. Rule #5. Pirates, demons, and wild magic make it a deadly proposal, but another page in his destiny will turn if the gods help him survive. And the gods love him. Don't they?