The life of a sword-for-hire was often uncertain, but brazen and beautiful Corson brenn Torisk would have no other. When Corson's services as a guard were engaged by the Lady Nyctasia, it seemed that fortune was finally smiling upon her. The Lady had a ready wit, an open purse and a reputation for sorcery which she assured Corson was quite undeserved. While Corson had little liking for magic and still less for magicians, it seemed…