Thieves World 3 – Shadows of Sanctuary by Asprin, Robert

simoom, but it grew until Lalo was physically buffeted by the waves of pressure

in the room. And then, after a little, there was silence again, and the sorcerer

asked, ‘Are you quite sure?’

Lalo nodded once more.

‘Well, that is a little thing, particularly when you are already… when there

is such a strong desire. I will throw in a few extras -‘ he said kindly, ‘some

souls for you to paint, perhaps a commission or two …’

Lalo jerked as the sorcerer’s hands closed on his head, and for a moment all the

colours in the rainbow exploded in his brain. Then he found himself on his feet

by the door with a leather satchel in his hand.

‘And the painter’s gear …’ continued Enas Yorl. ‘I have to thank you not only

for a great service, but for giving me something to look forward to in life.

Master Limner, may your gift reward you as you deserve!’

And then the great brazen door had shut behind him, and Lalo found himself in

the empty street, blinking at the dawn.

The desert shimmered glassily with heat, appearing as insubstantial as the mists

in the house of Enas Yorl, but the moist breath of a fountain cooled Lalo’s

cheeks. Dazed by the contrasts, the limner found himself wondering whether this

moment, or indeed any of the past three days, were real or only the continuation

of some sorcerous dream. But if that were so, he thought as he turned back to

the echoing expanse ofMolin Torchholder’s veranda, he did not want to wake.

Before the first day after his adventure had passed, Lalo had received requests

for portraits from the Portmaster’s wife and from Jordis the stonemason, newly