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

banks already.

“The Beysa’s sticking-hell, her apartments are on the second floor-but rest of

the Fish-folk are heading for their ships in schools! There’s nothing much we

can do about the barracks or Downwind, but if we don’t act fast we’ll lose the

main town too. I’ve set all the men I’ve got to building dykes above the bridge,

but I need more!”

“Can anyone get a message to Zip?” asked Randal swiftly. “Tell him if we channel

the flood maybe it’ll sweep the Fish-eyes out to sea-that should persuade him!

Use the same argument on Jubal.”

Straton’s mouth opened as if he were going to object, then it slowly closed

again. For a moment he almost smiled. “It would solve a few problems,” he said

wistfully. Then he shook himself and glared at the mage.

“Fine! I appreciate the advice! But what I want from you, Witchy-Ears, is some

wizard’s work. You get yourself and your spells out there and do something about

those clouds!”

Randal raised one eyebrow. “I will if I can. You know I’m not allowed to alter

the balances if this is a natural storm.”

“And if it isn’t? Have you considered that possibility?”

The mage was still frowning as Straton turned and clattered back down the

stairs. He sighed and grasped the knob of the balcony door.

Just a touch on the handle was enough to release it. The door banged back

against the wall and a gust of damp wind swirled papers around the room.

Ignoring the upset, Randal stepped outside and Lalo followed him.

The wind was coming from the northeast. Ranked banks of cloud rolled steadily