Thieves World 7 – The Dead of Winter by Asprin, Robert

me through him. The fewer who know when we meet and how often … much less what

is discussed, the better it will be for both of us.”

“I … thank you.”

“Now then, if you would wait in the next room, my man Saliman will see to your

needs. I would like a few words alone with Hakiem.”

Hakiem waited until the door had closed behind the little Beysib before

speaking.

“Well, it seems I have led yet another fly into your web, Jubal.”

Instead of replying to this insolence, Jubal studied the ex-storyteller for

several moments in silence.

“What distresses you, old one?” he said finally. “I dealt fairly with your fish

eyed companion, even to the point of admitting my own weaknesses and

limitations. Still your words and stance reek of disapproval, as they have since

you first entered the room. Have I done or said something to offend you?”

Hakiem started to snap out an answer, then caught himself. Instead, he drew a

deep breath and blew it all out slowly in a silent whistle.

“No, Jubal,” he sighed at last. “All you have said and done is consistent with

who and what you have been since we first met. I guess my time at court has

simply taught me to view things on a different scale than I did when I was

selling stories on the street for coppers.”

“Then tell me how you see things now,” Jubal demanded, impatience sharpening his

tone. “There was a time when we could speak openly together.”

Hakiem pursed his lips and thought for a moment.

“There was a time when I thought as you do, Jubal, that power alone determined

right and wrong. If you were strong enough or rich enough, you were right and