The Thief's Betrayal

For peasants, seeking opportunities in a new kingdom is a fool's errand, but it's the only chance for the desperate criminal to escape his painful past-until he encounters a drunk man with a strange map and an even stranger claim. Following the magical map will grant its possessor's greatest desire.

When destiny intervenes, the thief gets hold of the map and realizes the drunkard's incoherent ravings aren't so outlandish. Through a psychic bond, the map's creator whispers promises that the thief's most earnest wish is within reach.

Though reluctant to accept an offer seemingly too good to be true, the thief once again becomes trapped in fate's inescapable current. He can only hope it will carry him to the brighter future he pursues, cleansing him in the process.

But change isn't so easy as riding the tides, and faced with impossible choices, he soon learns what terrible strings are attached to his wish-and what kind of a man he truly is.

Will his quest for absolution inadvertently doom all of mankind? Or can the thief pick fate's pocket and win?