Thieves World 4 – Storm Season by Asprin, Robert

not to mention pleased, that you display some disposition to compromise. It is

for everyone’s benefit. This is Jihan.” He inclined his head toward his

companion. “Greet our host.” .

“It is my pleasure to wish that things go exceedingly well with you,” the woman

said, and Niko saw Tempus shiver, a subtle thing that went over him from scalp

to sandals-and almost bolted out to help, thinking some additional, debilitating

spell was being cast. He was not fooled by those polite exchanges: bodies and

timbres had been speaking more plainly of respectful opposition and cautious

hostility. Distressed and overbalanced from long crouching without daring to

lean or sit, he fell forward, catching himself too late to avoid making noise.

Niko heard Tempus remonstrate, “Let him be, Askelon!” and felt a sudden ennui,

his eyelids closing, a drift toward sleep he fought-then heard the dream lord

reply: “I will take this one as my hostage, and leave Jihan with you, a fair

trade. Then I will release these others, who remember nothing-for the interim.

When I am done here, if you have behaved well, you may have them back

permanently, free and unencumbered. We will see how good your faith can be said

to be.”

Niko realized he could still hear, still see, still move.

“Come here, Nikodemos,” Tempus summoned him.

He obeyed. His commander’s mien implored Niko to take all this in his stride, as

his voice sent him to see to breakfast for three. He was about to object that

only by the accident of meditation had he been untouched by the spell-which