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

Chenaya frowned. She had fostered the rumors herself to frighten opponents. Nor

were the rumors untrue, though only she and Molin Torchholder knew the details

of her relationship with Savankala the Thunderer. In truth, she couldn’t lose at

anything.

But here was a chance to teach Daphne an important first lesson. “It may be true

that I cannot lose, Daphne,” she said sternly, “but not losing is not the same

as always winning. And remember, even winning can cost a very dear price. Be

sure you’re willing to pay it.”

She turned away, but Daphne stopped her. “I’ve taken your vow, and on this

ground as I train I’ll call you Mistress as the others do.” Something flared in

the young woman’s eyes, and her hand closed around Chenaya’s wrist. “But you

swear now, too, to remember your promise to me.”

Calmly, but quite firmly, Chenaya freed herself from Daphne’s grip. “I’ve

already given you my promise. This afternoon I’ll begin to search.”

“I want a name, Mistress,” Daphne hissed, giving special emphasis to the title,

“and I want a throat between my hands. Soon.”

Chenaya reached out casually, seized Daphne’s tunic, easily lifted the smaller

woman up onto the tips of her toes. She pulled Daphne’s face very close to her

own. She could smell Daphne’s breath. “Don’t dictate to me; don’t threaten, even

with subtlety,” Chenaya warned. “And don’t ever play games with me.” She set

Daphne back on her feet and motioned for Dayrne to resume the training. “Now

work hard. And make up your mind to let Dayrne touch you. Each day he’ll massage