The Assayer's Fire

In the sequel to Devices of Shame, we discover that while in jail, sober life has been easy for Oscar. After his release, staying sober proves to be a much more difficult task. Oscar Reynolds embarks on a journey of self-discovery as he attempts to learn how to live a sober life. He searches for a rewarding career that he can learn and grow from. After attempting new jobs, Oscar finds passion as an assay.

Ignoring past sins proves to be an ineffective solution for Oscar's life. While he receives guidance in the teachings of a preacher, Oscar searches for what defines him as a person and how to leave his past sins behind. Oscar cannot run from his past but instead learns to seek atonement for his sins.

While Oscar is on his own journey, we follow two of the main characters in Oscar's life. Fred is bitter and unable to forgive the ones who have wronged him, trying to find a path that balances a rewarding career with what is best for his family. Fred clings to his family, fulfilling the needs to be their protector. Luke handles running the Black Hills Stagecoach and Express Company and finds himself constantly by the responsibilities of being an influential part of the community. He works to strengthen relationships but continuously has to put work before himself.

Shaped by fire, these characters learn the importance of defining themselves as people. While Oscar learns through the worst moments of his life, he is a changed man, and there is nothing he can't concur with a sober mind.