Smeds did not give a rat’s ass who ran things as long as they left him alone. Most people felt that way. - Glen Cook

Smeds did not like it. It was getting complicated. He did not like things complicated. Trying to untangle them usually made things worse.

I began to back away.
This is how I handle my women. Duck for cover when they get distressed.

That damned rain had a personal grudge. It got no heavier but it never let up. Yet to east and west I saw light that indicated clear skies in those directions. The gods, if such existed, were laying on the misery especially for me.