Thieves World 3 – Shadows of Sanctuary by Asprin, Robert

as he balanced himself with his wings.

Aerie made a high, keening sound, almost beyond the limits of human hearing. But

Satan heard. He did not flinch; unlike the troll, he did not turn. But he heard.

In the bright white wizard-light, the short fur on the back of his shoulders

rose, He made an answering cry, a sighing: a call to a lover. He folded his

wing-fingers back along his arms. The webbing trembled and gleamed.

The postillion kicked his horse and the cart lumbered forward. For the crowd

outside, the show was over.

The prince stepped down from the platform, and, walking side by side with

Bauchle Meyne and followed by his retinue, proceeded into the carnival tent.

The four friends stood close together as the crowd-moved past them. Wess was

thinking. They’re going to let him fly, inside. He’ll be free … She looked at

Aerie. ‘Can you land on top of the tent? And take off again?’

Aerie looked at the steep canvas slope. ‘Easily,’ she said.

The area behind the tent was lit by torches, not wizard-light. Wess stood

leaning against the grounds’ wall, watching the bustle and chaos of the troupe,

listening to the applause and laughter of the crowd. The show had been going on

a long time now; most of the people who had not got inside had left. A couple of

carnival workers kept a bored watch on the perimeter of the barrier, but Wess

knew she could slip past any time she pleased.

It was Aerie she worried about. Once the plan started, she would be very

vulnerable. The night was clear and the waxing moon bright and high. When she