Thieves World 01 – Thieves World by Asprin, Robert

is; the one he was using. ‘Shadowspawn,’ she said, ‘as Eshi is my witness. Had a

prodigal offer from some richie up in Twand, too – and do you know Hanse

wouldn’t take it? Said he liked having the thing. Pisses on it every morning on

rising, he says.’

Cusharlain smiled. ‘And … if it can’t be done? Reaching the palace, I mean.’

Gelicia’s shrug imparted to her bosom a quake of seismic proportions. ‘Why then

Sanctuary will be minus one more cockroach, and no one’ll miss him. Oh, my

Lycansha will moon for a while, but she’ll soon be over it.’

‘Lycansha? Who’s Lycansha?’

Nine rings flashed on Gelicia’s hands as she sketched a form in the air exactly

as a man would have done. ‘Ah, the sweetest little Cadite oral-submissive you

ever laid eyes on, who fancies that leanness and those midnight eyes of his,

Cusher. Like to … meet her? She’s at liberty just now.’

‘I’m on business, Gelicia.’ His sigh was carefully elaborate.

‘Asking about our little Shadowspawn?’ Gelicia’s meaty face took on a

businesslike expression, which some would have called crafty-furtive.

‘Aye.’

‘Well. Whoever you’re reporting to, Cusher – you haven’t talked to me!’

‘Of course not, Gelicia! Don’t be silly. I haven’t talked with anyone with a

name, or an address, or a face. I enjoy my … relationship with some of you

more enterprising citizens’ – he paused for her mirthful snort – ‘and have no

wish to jeopardize it. Or to lose the physical attributes necessary to my

availing myself of your dear girls from time to time.’

Her snickering laugh rose and went on up to whoops about the time he reached the