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

and death squads and Nisibisi – a witch and one named Vis.

‘Gilgamesh sat by Enkidu seven days, until a maggot fell from his nose.’ It was

the oldest legend the fighters shared, one from Enlil’s time when the Lord Storm

and Enki (Lord Earth) ruled the world, and a fighter and his friend roamed far.

Crit shrugged and ran a spread hand through feathery hair. ‘Enkidu was dead;

you’re not. Tempus has just gone ahead to prepare our way.’

Niko rolled his head, propped against the whitewashed wall, until he could see

Crit clearly: ‘He followed godsign; I know that look.’

‘Or witchsign.’ Crit squinted, though the light was good, three windows wide and

afternoon sun raying the room. ‘Are you all right – beyond the obvious, I mean?’

‘I lost two partners, too close in time. I’ll mend.’

Let’s hope, Crit thought but didn’t say, watching Niko’s expressionless eyes. ‘I

saw to your mare.’

‘My thanks. And for the bow. Janni’s bier is set for morning. Will you help me

with it? Say the words?’

Crit rose; the operator in him still couldn’t bear to officiate in public, yet

if. he didn’t, he’d never hold these men. ‘With pleasure. Life to you. Stepson.’

‘And to you. Commander.’

And that was that. His first test, passed; Niko and Tempus had shared a special

bond. .

That night, he called them out behind the barracks, ordering a feast to be

served on the training field, a wooden amphitheatre of sorts. By then Straton

had come out to join him, and Strat wasn’t bashful with the mess staff or the

hired help.

Maybe it would work out; maybe together they could make half a Tempus, which was