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

All the pomp and bother of court life bores me and, if nothing else, my time in

Sanctuary has taught me to be impatient with boredom.’

‘Money pays for much patience, Hakiem,’ Jubal observed. ‘That I’ve learned from

this town. Besides, I’ve had call to discover your beginnings are not as humble

as you would have others believe. Come now, the real reason for your

discontent.’

‘And what business is it of yours? Since when did you concern yourself with my

thoughts or livelihood?’

‘Information is my business,’ the ex-gladiator shot back. ‘Especially when it

concerns the power structure of this town. You know that. You’ve sold me rumours

often enough. And besides …’ Jubal’s voice dropped suddenly, losing its edge

of anger and authority. ‘… Not long ago I considered changing careers. Two

men, an old friend and a penniless storyteller, ignored my temper and convinced

me to examine my own motives. I haven’t paid all my debts in life, but I don’t

forget them either. Will you let me try to return the favour you paid me? Of

being both gadfly and confessor at a time you feel most alone?’

Hakiem stared into his wine for several moments. ‘I love this town,’ he said

finally, ‘as you do, though we love it differently and for different reasons.

When the foreigners ask me my opinions of the townfolk, to appraise their

trustworthiness or weakness, I feel I’m somehow betraying my friends. The gold

is nice, but it leaves a slime on me that all the perfumed baths in the world

cannot remove.’

‘They ask no more than I did when you served as my eyes and ears,’ Jubal