"Taking Heart " by Stephen L. Burns (1984)

Originally appeared in Sword & Sorceress (1984).

Plot: Raalt the thief is rescued from jail by another thief, Clea, who bargains with him for half of his stolen prize, The Heart of Arrmik. Together they go to the fountain where Raalt stashed the jewel. Following Clea's elaborate plans, they retrieve the jewel then retire to their love nest to celebrate. Before Raalt knows it Clea has absconded with the jewel, having been tricked by his own vanity and callousness.

Monsters:

None.

History: This tale of thief versus thief is too obvious to be quite "clever". Raalt is a pig and you don't feel sorry for him. I think it would have been a more interesting tale if he had been a more genuine character, having faults but also good qualities. It all comes off as a bit of a sexist piece of fluff.

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