Thieves World 3 – Shadows of Sanctuary by Asprin, Robert

then that’s one way out for me; or if I don’t – then you’re not doomed to lose

them all, after all, are you, Ischade? Some of my forms might not be to your

taste, but others -1 have infinite variety, Ischade. And no dread of you at

all.’

‘For this you hunted me down? That was it, wasn’t it – the amulet, a way to draw

yourself to me -‘

‘It costs you nothing. No harm. So small a thing for you, Ischade…’

It tempted. He was beautiful, this moment, this one moment, and the nights and

the years were long.

And then the other chance occurred to her and she shivered, who had not shivered

in years. ‘No. No. Maybe you’re set to die, but I’m not. No. Oppose two curses

the like of ours – half the city could go in that shock, not to mention you and

me. The chance of that, the merest chance – No. I’m not done living…’

He frowned, drew himself up with the least tremor about his lips, a look of

panic. ‘Ischade…’ The voice began to change, and of a sudden the features

starting with the mouth wavered, as if the strain had been too much, too

long and dearly held. The scales were back; and ‘No,’ he cried, and plunged

his face into hands which were not quite still hands. The draperies billowed,

the very air rippled, and ‘No…’ the air sighed after him, a vanishing moan, a

sob.

A second time she shivered, and looked about her, distracted, but he was quite

gone.

So, well, she thought. He had had his answer, once for all. Her business took

her here and there about the empire, but she discovered a liking for Sanctuary