Robert Asprin – Thieves World 09 – Blood Ties

Despite his depression, Hakiem was touched by the sincere concern of this young woman who had been raised to rule an empire and found herself in Sanctuary instead. While a part of him instinctively wanted to hide his feelings, he felt compelled to respond honestly.

“I fear for my town,” he said, turning to gaze out the window once more. “The people have changed since the Beysib arrived.

“Not that I blame you,” he amended hastily. “You had to go somewhere, and certainly your people have done everything possible to adapt to what I know is a very strange and often hostile environment to you.

“No. What has happened to my town was done by those who have lived here the longest. Oh, true enough, many of the changes were forced on them by the Rankan

Empire and its gods-and I know that all things must change. Still, I fear the townspeople have lost the will and certainly the wisdom to survive the changes which must follow as surely as a storm follows lightning. Even now the new

Rankan Emperor gathers troops to-“

He stopped abruptly as he realized the Beysa was laughing silently.

“I had not intended to be amusing,” he said stiffly, anger flashing just below the surface. “While I know the problems of a mere storyteller pale to insignificance before-“

“Forgive me. Wise One. I meant no disrespect. It’s just that you…. Please, let me be the teacher for once.”

To Hakiem’s surprise, she joined him at the window, leaning far over the sill until only the tips of her bare toes touched the cool floor.

“I fear you are too close to the problem,” she said solemnly. “You know so much about Sanctuary and watch so many of its citizens that you have become overwhelmed by surface changes and are blind to the currents moving beneath. Let me tell you what I see as someone new to Sanctuary.