The life of a lone dwarven prospector is one of shame, loneliness, and a constant battle for survival. Striking it rich is the only way for Naen to save himself from leaving his bones bleached in the sun without heritage or memory. When riches finally fall into his hands, he encounters a group of indentured servants fleeing from a vengeful master. Jade, a dwarf maid leading the refugees, has her own desires for her future, and they don’t include Naen. Jade and her dwarves steal his claim, but in the face of the brutal wilderness, they need help to survive, and the experienced Naen could give it. Drawn deeper into relationships with those he despises during the long mountain winter, Naen grapples with what kind of wealth he really seeks — or what kind of death. When spring comes, should he leave them to their fate and return to the wilds alone, or should he stay with these outlaw dwarves and face the coming onslaught?

Soon, he will be mocked as the King of the Cripples, and the mockery may just turn into his true heritage as the ragged refugees prepare their mine to withstand the vengeance of dwarven kings.