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

control, can you keep it? Open your eyes, Jubal, and see what’s going on outside

of your own little sphere. The Emperor is dead. The Rankan Empire is facing a

crisis, and the rightful heir to the throne is right here in town. What’s more,

those ‘fish-eyed’ Beysib you scorn have made us the gateway to a new land …

and a rich land at that. Sanctuary is becoming a focal point in history, not a

forgotten little backwater town, and powerful forces are going to be set in

motion to control it, if they haven’t been mobilized already. We need to unify

what strength we have, not erode it away in petty local squabbles that leave us

drained and ripe for the picking.”

“You’re becoming quite a tactician, old one,” Jubal said thoughtfully. “Why

haven’t you said this to anyone else?”

“Who would listen?” Hakiem snorted. “I’m still the old storyteller who made

good. I may have the ear of the Beysa, and through her the Prince, but they

don’t control the streets. That’s your arena, and you’re busy using what power

you have to stir up trouble.”

“I listen to you,” the ex-crimelord said firmly. “What you say gives me much

food for thought. Perhaps I have been shortsighted.”

“At least we’re headed into winter. The rainy season should cool things off…

and maybe give you enough time to reflect on your course of action.”

“Don’t count on it,” Jubal sighed. “I was going to warn you to stay away from my

old mansion. I have information that the Stepsons are on their way back into

town … the original ones, not the mockeries who took their place.”