Thieves’ World Book #05
The Face of Chaos
Edited by Robert Lynn Asprin
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION Robert Lynn Asprin
HIGH MOON Janet Morris
NECROMANT C.J. Cherryh
THE ART OF ALLIANCE Robert Lynn Asprin
THE CORNERS OF MEMORY Lynn Abbey
VOTARY David Drake
MIRROR IMAGE Diana L. Paxson
INTRODUCTION
Robert Lynn Asprin
‘The Face of Chaos will laugh at us all before the cycle completes its turn!’
The words were barely audible above the din of the bazaar, but they caught the
ear of Illyra, stopping her in her tracks. Ignoring her husband’s puzzled
glance, she made her way into the crowds in search of the source of the voice.
Though only half S’danzo, the cards were still her trade and she owed it to her
clan to discover any intruders into their secrets.
A yellow-toothed smile flashed at her out of deep shadow, beside a stand.
Peering closely, she recognized Hakiem, Sanctuary’s oldest and most noted
storyteller, squatting in the shelter, away from the morning sun’s bright glare.
‘Good morning, old one,’ she said coolly, ‘and what does a storyteller know of
the cards?’
‘Too little to try to earn a living reading them,’ Hakiem replied, scratching
himself idly, ‘but much for one untrained in interpreting their messages.’
‘You spoke of the Face of Chaos. Don’t tell me you’ve finally paid for a
reading?’
‘Not at my age.’ The storyteller waved. ‘I’d prefer that the events of the
future come as surprises. But I have eyes enough to know that that card means
great change and upheaval. It requires no special sight to realize it must be