whatever hardships fate or the Rankan Empire could throw at it. Small moments oftenderness or self-sacrificing heroics shone all the brighter here, as uncontestable evidence of the strength of the human spirit.

Then two changes occurred almost simultaneously: the Beysib arrived and Ranke'sStormgod had either died or retreated into oblivion.

As Sanctuary's fortunes literally rose through the influx of Beysib wealth, theEmpire's prestige and power had begun to wane-and the very nature of the cityaltered. Instead of small, vicious fights for survival, the town sank intoselfish power squabbles which were proving more deadly and disruptive thananything the citizens had known before. Instead of desperation and poverty, thestench of greed hung over the town and Hakiem found it stifling.

Perhaps he should leave... soon, before the current disorder wiped out what fewpleasant memories remained. If the new path of the town was fixed, he had noidea to ...

"You are very quiet. Wise One, for someone who earns his living with his nimbletongue."

Jolted from his reverie, Hakiem turned to find Shupansea, living avatar ofMother Bey and hereditary, if exiled, ruler of the Beysib Empire, regarding himwith the delighted smile of a child who has caught his teacher in a spellingerror.

"Your pardon, 0 Beysa. I did not hear you approach."

"There are no others about, Hakiem. Formalities between us are necessary onlybefore unfriendly eyes. Besides, I doubt you would have heard an entire armyapproaching. Where is the habitual wariness you've tried so hard to instill inme?"

"I... I was thinking."

The smile disappeared from the Beysa's face to be replaced with an expression ofconcern as she laid a soft hand on her advisor's arm. "I know. You seem unhappyof late. Wise One. I've missed the talks we used to have. In fact, I've set