Thieves World 4 – Storm Season by Asprin, Robert

Moreover, he didn’t have a hostage to strengthen his position. It was impossible

to believe this scrawny, starving woman could escape where Thrush hadn’t-

“You don’t believe me, do you?” she said. “Thrush trusted me at his back. He

must’ve fought until they hit him hard, where’s I gave up sooner. That’s the

difference, Walegrin, you say women have no honor because they’ll lose first and

win later. You men have to win all the time or die trying. If I was in on it,

would I have come back like this?”

“To lead me in,” Walegrin challenged, but without conviction.

The sun was up when he slid the bolt of the villa-gate and led Cythen into the

courtyard. Balustrus was waiting for them. The metal-master already knew some of

the night’s events.

“Seems you won’t be jumping early after all?” he accused.

“Yes, I’d planned to leave,” Walegrin agreed. “The longer I stay; the tighter

the noose. I’m getting out. I leave you the ore, the necklace and the formula

you don’t need anything else.”

“It won’t be that easy unless you’ve replaced Thrusher with that bone-bag behind

you. Word’s come from the palace.” Balustrus handed him a scroll with its seal

broken.

The writing confirmed Cythen’s story that they’d been taken to the palace by

Stepsons. The Prince commanded Walegrin’s presence in the Hall of Justice.

Walegrin crumpled the paper and threw it into the dirt. He could have abandoned

Thrusher; he could have abandoned Illyra-but he could not abandon them both.

“Cythen,” he whispered to her as they entered the room he shared with Thrusher.