Thieves World 5 – The Face of Chaos by Asprin, Robert

we’ll maintain our current position.’

‘As you will.’

Jubal smiled as Hakiem was led blindfolded into the room. It was not necessary

to wear the hawkmask for this interview, and he was glad, for he wanted an

unobstructed view of his guest. Had he not been forewarned, he never would have

recognized the old storyteller. He waited until the blindfold had been removed

before making his examination, walking slowly around the tale-spinner, while

Hakiem stood blinking in the light. New clothes, hair and beard trimmed, the

gauntness gone from his rib cage, and … Yes! The fragrant odour of perfume!

Hakiem had bathed!

‘I have a job,’ the storyteller broke the silence, almost embarrassed by his

newfound wealth.

‘I know,’ Jubal said. ‘In the new court, as advisor to the Beysa.’

‘If you already knew that, why’d you drag me here all blindfolded,’ Hakiem

snapped, returning momentarily to his old gutter temper.

‘Because I also know you’re thinking of quitting.’ There were several heartbeats

of silence; then the storyteller heaved a sigh. ‘So instead of my asking why I’m

here, I guess the question is “Why am I quitting?” Is that it?’

‘You’ve put it a bit more bluntly than I would have, but you’ve captured the

essence of the matter.’

Jubal sank into a chair and waved Hakiem to take the seat across from him. ‘…

and help yourself to the wine. We’ve known each other too long for you to stand

on ceremony.’

‘Ceremony!’ the old tale-spinner snorted, accepting both chair and wine.

‘Perhaps that’s what bothers me. Like you, I come from the streets and gutters.