Another argument over vranium. Tempers draw blades. One of the traders dies. Except for those running the Shallows Post, the work site has become far too dangerous, even for a post hand.

Gazing beyond the shallows, toward the Endivore Depths and the mysterious landmass known as the Far End, and fantasizing about a different life, Garmish spies a brighter future teasing him from within the crashing waves.

The trader who died dropped extra vranium, and Garmish seems to be the only one who noticed.

If he scoops it up first, it’ll give him an edge. Vranium is malleable and valuable. Wars are fought over active pools and even dried craters. Blade matches to the death happen over mere slivers.

Being smart about his next trade could help him get the role he desires, the one he deserves—and in mere days, not entire seasons.

But getting caught stealing from the post will mean execution on the spot...