Thieves World 3 – Shadows of Sanctuary by Asprin, Robert

this city of late. My augurists report that on no less than three separate

occasions since your arrival in this accursed place His power has been

successfully invoked by one not of the temple hierarchy.’

The Prince set down his goblet. ‘You know of these things?’ he asked with open

-faced incredulity. ‘You can tell when the god’s used His power?’

‘Yes, my Prince,’ Molin answered calmly. ‘That is the general purpose of our

hierarchy. Working through the mandated rituals and in partnership with our God

we incline Vashanka’s blessings towards the loyal, righteous upholders of

tradition, and direct His wrath towards those who would deny or harm the

Empire.’

‘I know of no traitors …’

‘… And neither do I, my Prince,’ Molin said, though he had his suspicions,

‘but I do know that our God, Vashanka – may-Hisnamebepraised – is showing His

face with increasing fre-• quency and devastating effect in this town.’

‘Isn’t that what he’s supposed to do?’

It was difficult to believe that the vigorous Imperial household had produced so

dense an heir; at such times as this Molin almost believed the rumours that

circulated around the Prince. Some said that he was at least as clever and

ambitious as his brother’s advisers feared; Kadakithis was deliberately botching

this gubernatorial appointment so he would have to be returned to the capital

before the Empire faced rebellion. Unfortunately, Sanctuary was more than equal

to the most artfully contrived incompetence.

‘My Prince,’ Molin began again, snapping his fingers to the mute who immediately