The Phoenix Thief

Joakim is living a grifter's nightmare. He's out of money, his latest con's hit the dragon dung, and his former 'clients' seek revenge. When he's abducted by a pair of dark magicians, it's almost a relief, but his would-be rescuers have plans of their own.

Waking with no memory and a pressing desire to leave town, Joakim meets Erstas, a scholar seeking to capture a phoenix, a mythical bird said to grant immortality. Joakim has his doubts. He's sold lies before, and it sounds like the old man's bitten on a fat one, but he's offering a fortune. Crazy client or not, Joakim can't say no to a ten gold, and it could be more, a lot more, if Erstas ever let his guard down.

But somehow, despite his plotting, Joakim can't bring himself to rob Erstas. Instead of riches, Joakim finds friendship, as Erstas's kindness makes him wonder if his lonely life of crime is worth clinging to.
When Joakim feels a compulsion to betray Erstas, he realizes he's under the influence of the magicians. Now he's leading his enemies straight to the phoenix, and only Erstas stands in their way.

To save his friend, Joakim might have to do the one thing his controllers never counted on - sacrifice himself.