Aell the bladesinger is a former gladiatorial slave. Stiles the lockwhisperer is a streetwise cat burglar. Trying their best to get by but always embroiled in trouble and chaos, they form a formidable duo with a strong bond of friendship and a sense of duty to the run-down neighborhood they live in. Aell's and Stiles's long-time enemy, Commander Harnolt, conscripts them into his personal service to find an ancient and mysterious artifact hidden within Mesnick. If they are successful in guiding Harnolt to the onyx gate, he will forgive all of their past crimes. If they fail, death at the hands of the Gray Watch is near certain.