Вилорп

→"What do you want?"

→I stare at Hansius. Just because Cicerius can come down here and order me about doesn't mean his assistant can.

→"Didn't the Deputy Consul instruct you to maintain strict privacy? Why is the door open like this? And why is there another malady victim sprawled here for all to see? Get her out of sight this instant."

→There's the sound of footsteps on the stairs and Hansius walks in through the open door. When he sees Sarin he looks alarmed.

→"Okay with me. I'm damned if I want another patient taking up space."

→"I'm going to kill her anyway," declares Makri.

→"What is this? Is there a sign up somewhere saying go to Thraxas's office if you get the malady?"

→I turn to look at Makri.

→"Oh come on," says Makri, and looks frustrated. Sarin continues to sink, ending up on the floor, her breath coming in short gasps.

→Makri suddenly makes a move. She hurls her axe, moving so quickly that the spinning blade knocks the crossbow from Sarin's hands before she can pull the trigger. Sarin curses and pulls her sword from its sheath. Then she coughs, puts her hand to her head, and sinks gently forward on her knees, sweat pouring from her brow. The sword drops to the floor.

→"Too bad indeed. Hand it over or I'll kill you."

→"Too bad for you someone else got there first."

→"I made an agreement with Captain Arex."

→"I'd like to, Sarin, but I just don't believe it belongs to you."

→"You can't," says Sarin, flatly. "You don't have the power. And I don't like long conversations. Give me the Ocean Storm."

→"So you are. Maybe you'd like me to roast your insides with a spell?"

→"Because I'm pointing a crossbow at you."

→"Why would I give it to you?"

→I'm staggered by the audacity of this woman, having the nerve to march into my office and demand I hand over a stolen item like she has some rights over it.

→"Give me the Ocean Storm."