The Golden Prisoner

Sometimes dreams come true—but not always the way you want. Peter Fonten, the nephew of a wealthy merchant, dreams of getting rid of his uncle’s control. While he studies in a small school (malkude) to continue the trading traditions, he sees himself as a hero and a traveler who isn’t afraid of street boys. He’s seventeen and sets out with a trade caravan to learn the intricacies of the trading craft. But his destiny changes when he meets a gang of highwaymen: a fight on the road, capture, and slavery. Reselling imperial goods to the treasury and taking part in the war as a “state man”—a powerless government slave.

What is it like to live from this side? And this is only the beginning, because powerful magical forces get involved.