Thieves World 3 – Shadows of Sanctuary by Asprin, Robert

to bed Azyuna?’

The light in the young man’s eyes reassured Molin that the Prince did understand

the purpose of a concubine. ‘Indeed, my Prince! But that is only a small part of

what we shall do next week. The Dance of Azyuna and the Divine Seduction are

performed at the festival each year. Many children are born of such unions, many

serve their ersatz-father with great dignity – I myself am a son of the Consort.

But, under extreme circumstances the Dance of Azyuna will be preceded by the

most sacred recreation of the Ten-Slaying itself. Vashanka – mayHisnamebepraised

– rediscovers His traitorous brothers plotting to overthrow the divine authority

of Savankala, their father. He slays them on the spot and takes Azyuna, at her

insistence, to bed at once as his consort. The child of such a union – if there

were any – would be well-omened indeed.

‘My Prince, the auguries indicate that such a child will be born here in

Sanctuary – of all places – and our God’s activity here would lend belief to

this. It is imperative that such a child be born within the strictures of the

temple; it would be fitting if the child’s natural father were you …’

The Prince turned the colour of the fruit tea, though his complexion quickly

levelled off at a unique shade of green. ‘But Molin, that’s general’s work

killing surrendered officers of the enemy. Molin, you don’t expect me to kill

ten men, do you? Why, there aren’t more than ten Vashankan priests in this

whole city.’ I’d have to kill you. I couldn’t do it, Molin – you mean too much