How far does the suspicion between the Scorpion and Unicorn go? What damning information is discovered about the most powerful woman in the city? What has the whole of the Merchant Quarter on edge? And what makes a reliable ally turn his back on the magistrates?

Will Aji’s dirty deeds come back to bite him? How much do he or Taiyo really want to know what is in Naritoki’s Journal? What shocking accusation will be made by Yugare’s wife? And will a force from beyond the grave gain further hold over Ishi?

Vengeance is a force that seems to move the world. Though they are far apart on the celestial ladder, samurai and merchants alike seek deadly redress. How far is Ryoko Owari about to descend into chaos, and who will be the next to descend into a grave?