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

Randal’s feelings now. He had heard too many tales about Roxane….

“But why take my mother if she wanted Lalo?” asked Wedemir.

Randal looked at the limner sympathetically. “The witch didn’t expect you to

give any trouble or she would have come herself. The Sphere was a Carrier, set

to react to your identity. And your wife spoke your name-“

“But she must realize her mistake by now. Why hasn’t she let Gilla go?”

“Roxane plays for points,” said Randal gently. “As long as the woman’s no

trouble, she’ll keep her, maybe use her as a hostage to compel you …”

No one needed to detail what could happen if Roxane got tired of her captive.

Lalo jerked to his feet and Randal pulled him back with surprising strength.

“No, Lalo-Roxane has no honor. You could not be sure of saving your wife even if

you offered yourself in her place. To strike against the sorceress is the only

way!”

Lalo sank back onto the bench and covered his eyes.

“Are you with us then. Limner?” asked Randal softly.

“I’m with you,” interrupted Wedemir, “if you’ll teach me how to fight!”

“That can be arranged,” said Randal. He waited for Lalo’s answer.

“Help me free Gilla and show me how to protect those who depend on me,” the

words were dragged from Lalo’s lips, “and yes, I’ll do what I can to help you.”

Gilla sneezed, heaved herself upright, and sneezed again. Something round and

hard was digging into her side. She looked down, saw a skull, and jerked away.

So much for the comfortable conclusion that she had been having a nightmare. She

still gripped her broom, but she was not at home; no one had cleaned this place