Thieves World 4 – Storm Season by Asprin, Robert

an agreement.”

The Prince led the way along unfamiliar corridors. They were in the private part

of the palace and the surroundings, though crude by capital standards, dazzled

Walegrin. He bumped into the Prince when the latter stopped by a closed door.

“Now, don’t forget-we haven’t agreed to anything. No, wait-give me your sword.”

Feeling trapped, Walegrin unbuckled his sword and handed it to the Prince.

“He’s arrived, Tempus,” Kadakithus announced in his most innane voice. “Look, he

gave me a present! One of his steel swords.”

Tempus looked around from a window. He had some of the god’s presence to him.

Walegrin felt distinctly outclassed and doubted that Kitty-cat could do anything

to help him. He doubted that even the metal boss in his pouch could help him

free Thrusher or Illyra.

“The steel is Sanctuary’s secret, not Kilite’s?” Tempus demanded.

“Of course,” the Prince assured him. “Kilite will never know. The entire capital

will never know.”

“All right, then. Bring him in,” Tempus shouted.

Five Stepsons crowded into the room, a hooded prisoner with them. They sent the

man sprawling to the marble floor. Thrusher pulled the hood loose and scrambled

to his feet. A livid bruise covered one side of his face, his clothes were torn

and revealed other cuts and bruises, but he was not seriously hurt.

“Your man-I should have let my men have him. He killed two last night.”

“Not men!” Thrusher spat out. “Whoresons; men don’t steal women and leave them

for the rats!”

One of the Stepsons moved forward. Walegrin recognized him as the one who had