Thieves World 01 – Thieves World by Asprin, Robert

guards who had accompanied the new governor into town.

‘Zaibar! Stop that!’

The unsmiling giant froze at the sound of the voice and turned to face the

golden-haired youth who strode on to the scene.

‘We’re supposed to be governing these people, not bludgeoning them into

submission.’

It seemed strange, seeing a lad in his late teens chastizing a scarred veteran

of many campaigns, but the larger man merely dropped his eyes in discomfort.

‘Apologies, Your Highness, but the Emperor said we were to bring law and order

to this hell-hole, and it’s the only language these blackguards understand.’

‘The Emperor – my brother – put me in command of this town to govern it as 1 see

fit, and my orders are that the people are to be treated kindly as long as they

do not break the laws.’

‘Yes, Your Highness.’

The youth turned to Hakiem.

‘I hope we did not disturb your story. Here – perhaps this will make up for our

intrusion.’

He pressed a gold coin into Hakiem’s hand.

‘Gold!’ Hakiem sneered. ‘Do you think one miserable coin can make up for scaring

those precious children?’

‘What?’ roared the Hell Hound. ‘Those gutter-rats? Take the Prince’s money and

be thankful I -‘

‘Zaibar!’

‘But Your Highness, this man is only playing on your-‘

‘If he is, it’s mine to give …’

He pressed a few more coins into Hakiem’s outstretched hand.

‘Now come along. I want to see the bazaar.’

Hakiem bowed low, ignoring the Hell Hound’s black glare. When he straightened,

the urchins were clustered about him again.

‘Was that the Prince?’

‘My dad says he’s the best thing for this town.’