Thieves World 01 – Thieves World by Asprin, Robert

purpose. Nevertheless the parchment flapped and rattled a bit in the wind. It

was covered with cabalistic signs.

Cappen stepped around to the other side, and whistled low. That held a picture,

within a narrow border. Past the edge of what might be a pergola, the scene went

to a meadowland made stately by oak trees standing at random intervals. About a

mile away – the perspective was marvellously executed – stood a building of

manorial size in a style he had never seen before, twistily colon-aded,

extravagantly sweeping of roof and eaves, blood-red. A formal garden surrounded

it, whose paths and topiaries were of equally alien outline; fountains sprang in

intricate patterns. Beyond the house, terrain rolled higher, and snow-peaks

thrust above the horizon. The sky was deep blue.

‘What the pox!’ exploded from Jamie. ‘Sunshine’s coming out of that painting. I

feel it.’

Cappen rallied his wits and paid heed. Yes,Warmth as well as light, and … and

odours? And were those fountains not actually at play?

An eerie thrilling took him. ‘I … believe … we’ve … found the gate,’ he

said.

He poked his spear cautiously at the scroll. The point met no resistance; it

simply moved on. Jamie went behind. ‘You’ve not pierced it,’ he reported.

‘Nothing sticks out on this side – which, by the way, is quite solid.’

‘No,’ Cappen answered faintly, ‘the spear-head’s in the next world.’

He drew the weapon back. He and Jamie stared at each other.

‘Well?’ said the Northerner.

‘We’ll never get a better chance,’ Cappen’s throat responded for him. ‘It’d be