Out today is a new episode of The BCS Audio Vault: 024: The Topaz Marquise by Fran Wilde, a dark tale of a craftsman caught between his own desires and outside forces that may be far more ancient to this world and far more dangerous than he will admit.

It’s introduced by the author, explaining the titular gemstone of distinctive color and cut, the protagonist’s relationship with it, the role of such gemstones in this world and its history, and their connection to other stories in this world.

To hear new episodes of The BCS Audio Vault, including stories by Saladin Ahmed, Yoon Ha Lee, and Chris Willrich and introductions by Aliette de Bodard, Rajan Khanna, and Lou Anders, subscribe to The BCS Audio Vault via RSS feed or look for it on iTunes.