A common thief may be the heir to the throne in this first adventure in the Nobles series   Pinch, a scoundrel and a rogue of indeterminate birth, looks out for himself and his band of thieving comrades, thinking only of his next heist. However, as political turmoil strikes the land, Pinch's simple days of thievery and adventure may be coming to a close.   Manferic III, the former ruler of Ankhapur and Pinch's guardian, has died, leaving behind no clear heir to his throne. By ancient law, the crown will pass to the relative "chosen by the cup"--a family relic--in a ceremony whereby the rightful heir is selected and pretenders and other rejected candidates meet their deaths.   Pinch's outlaw days have prepared him for life in mean streets. But is he ready for the dangers that lurk in courtly hallways, among royal relatives and dagger-bearing shadows?