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

decor.”

Innos was flung back, and he closed his eyes as Zalbar raised his sword to

strike.

After a frozen moment, he risked a peek, and saw the Hell-Hound standing with

the sword hanging loose at his side.

“No. I can’t kill you, Innos,” he said softly. “I could expect little better

from anyone else in this town. If anything, the fault is mine. I should have

seen to the head myself.”

He fixed Innos with a stare, and the groom saw that he was smiling.

“Still,” he continued in a friendly tone, “I’d suggest you pack your things and

leave town … tonight. I may not be so understanding the next time I see you.”

Zalbar did not even bother to knock, but simply pushed his way through the door

of the House of Whips and Chains. It was his first visit to this particular

brothel which catered to tastes bizarre even for Sanctuary, but his anger

outweighed his curiosity. When the madame rushed wide-eyed, to confront him, he

was brief and to the point.

“You have a skull here as part of your decorations. I want it.”

“But Officer, we never sell our decorations. They’re too difficult to replace

…”

“I didn’t say I wanted to buy it,” Zalbar snapped. “I’m taking it with me …

and I’d advise you not to argue.”

He swept the room quickly with his gaze, ignoring the girls peering out from

hiding.

“That brazier … with the hot irons in it. It’s a fire hazard. I could close

this establishment right now, Madame, and I doubt you could fix the violations

faster than I could find them if you ever wanted to re-open.”

“But … oh, take the silly thing. Take all of them or take your pick. I don’t