Tiassa Read Online Free PDF Page B

better than my idea?”
    “What was your idea?”
    “I was going to write the Empire a letter saying please stop.”
    “Heh,” I said. Then, “Woah. You are a Tiassa.”
    “Meaning?”
    “I hadn’t thought of that.”
    “Somehow, I doubt they’d be impressed by the letter.”
    “I don’t think a letter is the best way, but the idea is sound.”
    “What idea?”
    “Convincing the Empire to stop tagging the coins.”
    “Are you serious?”
    “Why not?”
    From the look on his face, he thought I was jesting; from the look on mine, I think, he eventually decided I wasn’t. His eyes narrowed and he looked even more cat-like, but I declined to scratch him behind the ears. He said, “How would you do that?”
    “I’ve no idea.”
    “Oh. Thought you might have something.”
    “I think I might.”
    “What?”
    “The idea you just gave me. Convince the Empire to stop tagging the coins.”
    “Which you have no idea how to do, and, therefore, no reason to believe it can be done.”
    “You’ve stated our position exactly,” I said. “I’m proud of you.”
    Ibronka stirred and said to Bluey, “Mind if I eviscerate him?”
    “Just one?” he said. “And an Easterner?”
    “I’m not thinking of a fight, more of pest control.”
    “I’d rather you didn’t just yet, love.”
    “All right.” She turned back and smiled sweetly at me.
    I decided I liked her. “It must be hard on you,” I told her. “Most of the time when dealing with clients, you have the advantage. Has to be hard for a Dzur to take.”
    She pretended I hadn’t spoken.
    I spent a few minutes thinking over the problem, and when Loiosh asked again why I was bothering, I pretended he hadn’t spoken. I can do that stuff, too.
    It wasn’t at all the sort of thing I could do, but I had friends—or acquaintances at least—who could do a lot of things I couldn’t. Sethra Lavode, Morrolan, Aliera, Kiera—
    Kiera.
    Kiera had told me once, about … how did that work? I remained silent as the idea built a nest and laid some eggs.
    Blue-guy might have a stupid name, but he wasn’t stupid. He said, “What is it you know that you aren’t telling me?”
    “Lots of things,” I said. “And the reverse is true as well, I’ve no doubt. Do you want this done, or don’t you?”
    “Now it sounds like you’re in.”
    “What’s the offer?”
    “To solve the problem completely? I don’t know. That’s worth a lot.”
    “Double what you’ve already agreed to pay me.”
    “It’s worth more than that.”
    “You’re honest. I’m touched. I know. Is it a deal?”
    “Of course.”
    “Then I’m in.” I turned to Shoen and Sticks and said, “Thanks. You’re off.”
    “You sure?” said Sticks. “These characters look all dangerous and stuff. I wouldn’t want to see you unprotected.” He was giving Ibronka an amused smirk, I think just to annoy her. She gave no indication of noticing, which meant that her dislike of me was more because I was a Jhereg than because I was an Easterner. Good. Bigotry is such an ugly thing, don’t you think?
    “I’m sure,” I told Sticks. I had turned my head to speak to him, so neither of our new acquaintances could see my face; I silently mouthed, “Follow them.”
    “You’re the boss,” he said, and headed out. Shoen, I should add, was already gone.
    I turned back to Foxy. “I need to get my hands on some of those coins.”
    “You have a plan,” he said.
    “I always have a plan. Ask anyone. ‘That Vlad,’ they’ll say. ‘He sure does always have a plan. He—’”
    “Why do you work so hard to make yourself disliked?” asked Ibronka. “I should think you’d find it happens enough on its own without putting yourself to any extra trouble.”
    I drank some wine and said, “Yes, I have a plan.”
    “Tell me about it,” said Blue.
    “Not just yet.”
    His face twitched, but I couldn’t tell what it meant. “All right,” he said. Ibronka looked at him, then shrugged almost