Temple Hill - Drew Karpyshyn [43]
Corin shrugged, momentarily taken aback by the ease with which Lhasha had consented to the gnome's suggestion. His own ideas were never accepted so readily. "I think you're both over reacting, but I go where Lhasha goes. My job is to keep you safe. It doesn't matter to me if its here or on the other side of Faerun."
A look of relief crossed Fendel's grimy face.
Tm glad you're being reasonable about this, Lhasha."
"We'll leave tomorrow," Lhasha assured him. Then added, "But I've got one last job to pull before I go."
"But Lhasha-love-" the gnome began.
She held up a hand to cut him off.
"No lectures, Fendel. If I'm going to Cormyr to live in temporary retirement, I'll need some money to tide me over. This job will pay more than enough to get me by."
"If it's money you need…"
Lhasha didn't mean to laugh, but she couldn't help it.
"Fendel," she said once she'd caught her breath, "how are you going to get me any money? What you don't spend on materials and supplies, you've donated to the Church." In a softer voice she added, "And besides, I won't accept charity from you. I can look after myself."
Fendel didn't say anything else, but by the look on is face it was obvious he disapproved.
"Relax," she said, giving the gnome a kiss on his wrinkled forehead. "Ill take Corin with me on this job, just in case. I've taught him a few tricks of the trade. He might as well put them to the test."
The gnome gave heavy sigh, then threw up his hands in resignation.
"Well, if I can't talk you out of it, the least I can do is make sure you have all the tools you need. Tell me about the job."
Corin was always surprised at how dramatically the young half-elf s demeanor changed as soon as she started talking shop. Usually her tone was light and playful, but she was dead serious when the conversation turned to business.
"It's one of the warehouses in the Caravan district. Simple in and out. Don't know the exact nature of the package, but I was specifically told carrying it out wouldn't be a concern."
"The Caravan warehouses, eh? I think I've got some blueprints. Just give me a minute to find them."
While the gnome was rummaging about his workshop, Corin moved in closer to Lhasha.
"How can you steal something when you don't even know what it is?" he whispered.
Lhasha waved him off and curtly replied, "Don't concern yourself with the details, Corin. I don't try to tell you how to do your job, so don't you tell me how to do mine."
"Excuse me?" Corin said, still whispering-though his voice was strained with indignation. "You damn well did tell me how to do my job. You wouldn't let me stand guard in your room, remember?"
"That just proves my point," Lhasha answered without missing a beat. "We saw how things turned out when I interfered with your profession. The lesson is obvious: don't meddle with experts doing their job. When it comes to burglary, I'm the expert."
Maybe the lesson is that I'm always right and you're always wrong, Corin thought.
"This smells like a set-up. I won't let you walk into a trap." Corin said.
Fendel found what he was looking for and turned his attention back to his guests.
"I agree with your soldier friend," he said to Lhasha. Corin didn't know how much the gnome had overheard, but obviously his old ears were still sharp.Tou hired Corin to protect you. If his instincts say something's not right, maybe you'd better listen."
"I've learned to trust my instincts," Corin added.
Instead of continuing the argument, Lhasha simply pulled out the small pouch tucked in her belt and dumped the contents. A handful of gems clattered onto the table-diamonds, rubies, amethysts, emeralds. One large stone bounced off the hard surface and skittered across the floor until it came to rest at the toe of Corin's boot. He bent down to pick up the multi-faceted stone, marveling at its size and hue. Corin didn't have the first clue of how to appraise precious