Thieves World 3 – Shadows of Sanctuary by Asprin, Robert

as for no other place she had known … and it was well that Yorl took his

answer, and that it was settled. New tasks might come. But at that moment she

thought of the river house. This lodging was too well known for the time; and

she might walk to the river… might meet someone – along the way.

The wine splashed into the cup and such was Hanse’s state of mind that he never

looked to see who served, only hoisted the cup and drank a mouthful.

‘That’s good,’ he said; and Cappen Varra across the table in the Unicorn watched

him shake off the ghosts and lifted his own cup, thinking ruefully of a song

abandoned, a tale best not sung at all, even in the safe confines of the

Unicorn. The city would be full of questions tomorrow, and it was well to know

nothing at all… as he was sure Hanse planned to know least of all.

‘A game,’ Cappen proposed.

‘No. No dicing tonight.’ Hanse dug into his purse and came up with a silver

round, laid it carefully on the table. ‘That’s for another pitcher when this is

done. And for a roof tonight.’

Cappen poured again, topping off the cup – a wonder, that Hanse bought drinks.

Hanse flinging money about as if he wished to be rid of it.

‘Tomorrow on the game,’ Cappen said, in hope.

‘Tomorrow,’ Hanse said, and lifted the cup.

*

Blind Darous poured, the cup held just so for his finger to feel the cool of the

liquid … measured it carefully and extended the filled goblet towards his

seated master. The breathing was hoarse tonight. A hand took the stem of the cup

most delicately, not touching his fingers at all, for which Darous was deeply