Thieves World 4 – Storm Season by Asprin, Robert

right one. Seismic disruptions disturbed his brain and his stomach felt both

hollow and drawn together.

Because they needed him, they told him without equivocation, for what was pride

to gods?

The Ilsigi his people, and Sanctuary called Thieves’ World needed him, and the

world needed him. It was not just that Ils and his family would wane and shrink

and perish. Ranke would rule supreme over all the world, and Ranke was ruled by

men other than good (“for my cousin Savankala is old and weary of the strife of

his offspring”) and Savankala’s warlike, war-loving son ruled Ranke, through its

emperor. .

“I may not do battle with Vashanka, though,” Ils said, light speaking in the

voice of warmth, “for son must battle son.”

And with that stated He vanished, and much light left with him. Now the big

chamber was draped with shadows, and the Shadow at table’s end spoke, in the

rustly voice of shadows, hooded and cloaked.

“You think you know me, Hanse, and you are right. I am He to Whom There is no

Temple. I am the Shadowed One, Hanse who are Son of the Shadow. It is I who must

combat Vashanka, for I am son of Ils as he is son of Savankala my uncle. But the

presence here of Ranke, and of Vashanka and his so-powerful servant-these have

robbed me of abilities. I can act only through you, Hanse, as my sister may act

only through Mignureal. With the sword from him called Stepson, Hanse, who is

Godson, is to combat a god.”

“Vash- Vashanka?”

Hanse saw the shadowy nod that was his only reply, and again he blurted words: