Soukyan, a warrior for hire, fends off a trio of assassins, the latest of many who have been sent to kill him since he fled the monastery in which he was raised. Seeking a resolution to the seemingly endless pursuit, he returns to "that place," as he thinks of it, and uncovers its dark secret. Despite its brevity, this novella, set in the world of Beagle's 1991 The Innkeeper's Song, contains a wealth of detail, both explicit and implied. VERDICT Beagle's obvious gifts as a storyteller and master stylist shine in this small tale that is large in meaning and mastery. Libraries should consider the steep price before purchasing.