The Traitor Queen (43 page)

blood money – payment for assassination

boot – refuse/refusal (don’t boot us)

capper – man who frequents brothels

clicked – occurred

client – person who has an obligation or agreement with a Thief

counter – whore

done – murdered

dull – persuade to keep silent

dunghead – fool

dwells – term used to describe slum dwellers

eye – keep watch

fired – angry (got fired about it)

fish – propose/ask/look for (also someone fleeing the Guard)

gauntlet – guard who is bribeable or in the control of a Thief

goldmine – man who prefers boys

good go – a reasonable try

got – caught

grandmother – pimp

gutter – dealer in stolen goods

hai – a call for attention or expression of surprise or inquiry

heavies – important people

kin – a Thief’s closest and most trusted

knife – assassin/hired killer

messenger – thug who delivers or carries out a threat

mind – hide (minds his business/I’ll mind that for you)

mug – mouth (as in vessel for bol)

out for – looking for

pick – recognise/understand

punt – smuggler

right-sided – trustworthy/heart in the right place

rope – freedom

rub – trouble (got into some rub over it)

shine – attraction (got a shine for him)

show – introduce

space – allowances/permission

squimp – someone who double-crosses the Thieves

style – manner of performing business

tag – recognise (also means a spy, usually undercover)

thief – leader of a criminal group

watcher – posted to observe something or someone

wild – difficult

visitor – burglar

Writing this sequel trilogy has been hard work of the most enjoyable kind. Which is why I appreciate the work done by everyone
behind the scenes, and the support of all the wonderful booksellers and readers who embrace my books when they finally launch
into the world.

Thanks go to Anne Clarke and the Orbit team; my agent, Fran and her wonderful assistant, Liz; the feedback readers Paul, Donna
and Nicole. You all had a part in making this book as good as it could be.

A special extra thanks to Fran for coordinating the organisation of my big European tour, along with Rose at Orbit and Berit
at Verlagsgruppe Random House; to all the staff at the stores that hosted readings and/or signings – I wish there was room
to list you all; my wonderful Polish publishers, Galeria Ksi
ki, who treated me like royalty during two fabulous days in
Warsaw; the marvelous Imaginales Festival in France; and the amazing team brought together for the German author nights by
Verlagsgruppe Random House.

And most of all, to my readers: a special extra thanks to everyone who came to see me on my European tour, or at a signing
elsewhere in the world. It is always a fabulous
treat to meet you. And to all readers: I hope you enjoyed revisiting the world of the Black Magician trilogy as much as I
did, and will join me on the next adventure of the imagination.

Trudi Canavan
published her first story in 1999 and it received an Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Short Story. Her debut series, the Black
Magician trilogy, made her an international success, and all three volumes of the Age of the Five trilogy were
Sunday Times
bestsellers. Trudi Canavan lives with her partner in Melbourne, Australia, and spends her time knitting, painting and writing
bestselling fantasy novels. For more information about Trudi and her writing go to
www trudicanavan.com

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www.orbit-books.net