The Wizard of Karres

and Ethy's troupe will have to be given official status. 'The Empress Players,' something like that. No other way to explain why a showboat would remain here for years. They'll like that, even if they'll complain constantly that they miss their wandering ways.'

Threbus nodded. 'And look on the bright side: the Empress has firmly cemented her position as the power behind the throne, since 'the throne' is now nothing more than an actor playing a role. And she's gained the respect and leverage she needs over the bulk of the nobility.' He patted Pausert on the shoulder. 'Karres is proud of you, Grandnephew. You came through at the end with flying colors.'

'I wasn't inclined to forgive you at first, Threbus,' said the captain heavily. 'But I suppose you risked a great deal, too.'

The Karres witch nodded. 'Two of my daughters, Pausert. Two of those I love most dearly.' He sighed. 'It was a high-risk option, but all our predictors said it was the only alternative to a long and terrible war, just as the Sprites once fought. Now, we have an answer. You and the little vatches. We've bought time and can find other ways of dealing with the problem, without killing people.'

Goth came to join them. As she drew alongside, she slid her arm around Pausert's waist and hugged him tightly. He placed his large hand on her little one and gave it an affectionate squeeze. There was a time when the captain would have been a little surprised at how easily and naturally that movement came to both of them. But . . . no longer. Again, he found himself wishing that klatha could somehow be used to affect aging.

Threbus was smiling. 'Time passes, Nephew. Trust me.'

The smug expression on his face, combined with the serene look on Goth's, aroused Pausert's natural contrariness.

'Ha! You two know-it-alls! I remind you that you also predicted something very good would happen to Goth if she spent the next year in my company. So? What is it?'

Alas, Threbus still looked every bit as smug. And Goth's serenity seemed completely unfazed. She gave Pausert that sidelong glance he'd come to know so well.

'The year isn't up yet, Captain,' she murmured.

Pausert tried to think of a suitable reply, but couldn't. Then he caught sight of a pair of slitty silver eyes. And then another. And another. And more.

'The cure may just be worse than the disease, Threbus,' he said with a grin. 'Here we go again!'