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

showing often in readings these days, with the newcomers in town. I have ears,

Illyra, as I have eyes. An old man listens and watches, enough not to be fooled

by one who walks younger than her makeup and dress would lead most to believe.’

Illyra frowned. ‘Such observations could cost me dearly, old one.’

‘Thou art wise, mistress. Wise enough to know the value of silence, as a hungry

tongue talks more freely.’

‘Very well, Hakiem,’ the fortune-teller laughed, slipping a coin into his

outstretched palm. ‘Dull your ears, eyes and tongue with breakfast at my expense

… and perhaps a cup of wine to toast the Face of Chaos.’

‘A moment, mistress,’ the storyteller called as she turned to go-‘A mistake!

This is silver.’

‘Your eyes are as keen as ever, you old devil. Take the extra as a reward for

courage. I’ve heard what you have to do to gather the stories you can tell!’

Hakiem slid the coin into the pouch belted within his tunic and heard the

satisfying clink as it joined the others secreted there. These days he extorted

breakfast money more out of habit than need. Purses were growing fat in

Sanctuary with the influx of wealth brought by the newcomers. Even extortion was

growing easier, as people became less tightfisted. Some, like Illyra, seemed

almost eager to give it away. Already, this morning, he had collected enough for

ten breakfasts without exerting the effort hitherto required to obtain enough

for one. After decades of decay. Sanctuary was coming to life again with the

influx of wealth brought by the Beysib troops. Their military strength was far