Ulcetha, deftly framed when a prize artifact disppears from the University of Cairado, is gifted a puzzle upon the death of his best friend, Mara. This puzzle could be the answer to all his questions - and maybe lead to the chance to clear his name.

***By the author of the Hugo, Nebula and World Fantasy Award nominated The Goblin Emperor***

'A thrilling archaeological treasure hunt' - Locus

'An engrossing read!' - Kristen Britain, New York Times bestselling author of the Green Rider series
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A disgraced scholar has the chance to clear his name of the theft he didn't commit in a brand new novella from the world of The Goblin Emperor.

Five years ago, Ulcetha was studying at the University of Cairado, working his way toward becoming a scholar first-class in the Department of History. Then a prize artifact disappeared and Ulcetha, deftly framed, was kicked out. Now he works for a crooked importer, using his knowledge of elven history to write provenances for the fake artifacts Salathgarad sells.

When the airship Wisdom of Choharo explodes, killing the emperor and three of his four sons, it takes with it Ulcetha's best friend, Mara Lilana. But Mara leaves behind a puzzle - the one thing Ulcetha can't resist. And the puzzle leads Ulcetha back to the Department of History... and maybe the chance to clear his name.