Thieves World 3 – Shadows of Sanctuary by Asprin, Robert

himself did not wish to be treated.

Wess shook her head, flinging aside her anger. Stronger than her anger in

Lythande’s lack of confidence in her, stronger than her disappointment that

Lythande was going away, was her surprise that Lythande had pretended to hint at

finding Satan. She did not wish to think too deeply on the sorcerer’s motives.

‘You have my promise,’ she said bitterly. ‘You may be sure that my word is

important to me. May your business be profitable.’ She turned away and fumbled

for the latch, her vision blurry.

‘Westerly,’ Lythande said gently, ‘do you think I came back last night only to

coerce an oath from you?’

‘It doesn’t matter.’

‘Well, perhaps not, since I have so little to give in return.’

Wess turned around. ‘And do you think I made that promise only because I hoped

you could help us?’

‘No,’ Lythande said. ‘Frejojan, I wish I had more time – but what I came to tell

you is this. I spoke with Jubal last night.’

‘Why didn’t you tell me? What did he say? Does he know where Satan is?’ But she

knew she would have no pleasure from the answer. Lythande would not have put off

good news. ‘Will he see us?’

‘He has not seen your friend, little sister. He said he had no time to see you.’

‘Oh.’

‘I did press him. He owes me, but he has been acting peculiar lately. He’s more

afraid of something else than he is of me, and that is very strange.’ Lythande

looked away.

‘Didn’t he say anything?’

‘He said … this evening, you should go to the grounds of the governor’s

palace.’

‘Why?’

‘Westerly … this may have nothing to do with Satan. But the auction block is