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Thieves World 3 – Shadows of Sanctuary by Asprin, Robert

Molin entertained hopes of getting new quarters in the near future. The mute

offered them a fresh goblet of the local wine – a surprisingly potable beverage,

given its origins. But then the priorities of the populace were such that the

wine should be far better than their cheese or bread. Molin himself offered the

strong drink to the Prince.

‘Molin -I cannot. If it were just the Dance… well, no, not even then.’ The

Prince squared his shoulders and simulated a stance of firm resolve. ‘Molin, you

are wrong – it would not be fitting for a Prince of the blood. I mean no slurs,

but I cannot be seen consorting with a temple slave at a public festival.’

Molin considered the refusal; considered taking Vashanka’s role himself- he’d

seen the temple slave in question. But he had been honest with the Prince; it

was of the utmost importance that the child be properly conceived.

‘My Prince, I do not ask this lightly, any more lightly than I informed my

brethren in Ranke of my decision in this matter. The slave is of the best

Northern stock; the rite is held in strictest mystery.

‘The Hand of Vashanka rests heavily on your prefecture, my Prince. You cannot

have failed to notice His presence. The daily auguries show it plainly. Your own

Hell Hounds, the very guardians of Imperial Order, are not immune to the dangers

of Vashanka’s unbridled presence!’

The High Priest paused, staring hard into Kadakithis’s eyes, forcing the young

governor to acknowledge the rumours that flew freely and were never disputed.

Molin could trace his ancestry to the god in the time-honoured way, but what

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Categories: Asprin, Robert
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