Thieves World 01 – Thieves World by Asprin, Robert

‘Who are you? What do you want?’ She flattened against the back of the chair.

‘Since you do not recognize me, then say, I have been looking for you.’

The man gestured. The candles and stove rekindled and Illyra found herself

staring at the blue-starred face of the magician Lythande.

‘I have done nothing to cross you,’ she said, rising slowly from her chair.

‘And I did not say that you had. I thought you were seeking me. Many of us Have

heard you calling today.’

He held up the three cards Marilla had overturned and the Face of Chaos.

‘I – I had not known my problems could disturb your studies.’

‘I was reflecting on the legend of the Five Ships – it was comparatively easy

for you to touch me. I have taken it to myself to learn things for you.

‘The girl Marilla appealed first to her own gods. They sent her to you since for

them to act on her fate would rouse the ire of Sabellia and Savankala. They have

tied your fates together. You will not solve your own troubles unless you can

relieve hers.’

‘She is a dead woman, Lythande. If the gods of Ilsig wish to help her, they will

need all their strength – and if that isn’t enough, then there is nothing I can

do for her.’

‘That is not a wise position to take, Illyra,’ the magician said with a smile.

‘That is what I saw. S’danzo do not cross fates with the gods.’

‘And you, Illyra, are not S’danzo.’

She gripped the back of the chair, angered by the reminder but unable to counter

it.

‘They have passed the obligation to you,’ he said.

‘I do not know how to break through Manila’s fate,’ Illyra said simply. ‘I see,