An excellent dark fantasy novel that takes place in the capital of the decadent kingdom of Rossacotta. Full of warped characters, bizarre customs and a murder mystery (actually more than one - people keep getting bumped off during the cover-up and investigation). Two main points of view: Nimnestl is the chief bodyguard to the 9 year old king, and Polijn is an apprentice minstrel.Looks like the author doesn't write anymore (sad) - last published short story according to Locus was in 1998.