As always, for Derek

To Kristin Nelson, my agent. I couldn’t do any of this without you. You’re simply the best.

To Anne Sowards, my editor. You’re amazing to work with. And in my opinion, the best editor in New York. Period.

To Joanne Stapley, an awesome fan. The winner of my Name That Book contest, with the perfect title: Con & Conjure.

To David Parker Ross, my first fan who wasn’t related to me, and the winner of the Name That Goblin Assassin contest, with “Nisral Hesai” (a clever anagram of “Lisa Shearin”).

To my fans. Your support and enthusiasm amaze me and keep me going. All of Raine’s adventures are for you.

There’s no sick like seasick.

I knew this from personal experience; but fortunately, I wasn’t the one staggering down the gangplank looking like death warmed over and served up.

Mago Benares was a banker, not a sailor. Or as his employees at the First Bank of D’Mai knew him, Mago Peronne. The name Benares wasn’t exactly welcome in banking circles, since most people wouldn’t want to trust their investments to a member of the most notorious criminal family in the seven kingdoms. Mago had changed his name, but nothing could alter his instincts.

The Benares family didn’t get all of their money at the business end of a cannon. To Mago, embezzlement was an art, and he considered himself to be a master. This was one time when I had to agree with Mago and his ego. My cousin was at his con artist best when diverting funds, usually into offshore accounts for his own use and enjoyment.