The imagery of grief
The author describes the sorrow of Fafhrd and Mouser using imagery in the opening statement. The author writes, "A tall swordsman and a small one strode out the Marsh Gate of Lankhmar and east along Causey Road. They were youths by their skin and suppleness, men by their expressions of deep-bitten grief and stony purpose." The imagery is significant because it answers the argument why Fafhrd and Mouser are determined to leave Lankhmar for Ilthmar. These two young men are grieving the deaths of their wives, who were killed by the black magic in Lankhmar while serving the Master Thieves' Guild. Fafhrd and Mouser cannot contain their grief, and the best way to move on is by heading to Ilthmar to start a new life.
The Imagery of Sheelba
Sheelba of the eyeless face appears in mysterious ways, and he uses magic to make his appearances. The author uses sight imagery when describing Sheelba. The author writes, "Blue lighting glared, revealing the great clarity a hooded figure crouched inside the low doorway. Each fold and twist of the figure's draperies stood out as precisely as in an iron engraving closely viewed." The imagery represents the possible warning to Fafhrd and Mouser that running away from Lankhmar will not solve their problems. Sheelba uses his magical appearance to warn Fafhrd and Mouse of leaving Lankhmar, but they threaten him and ignore his prophecies. However, after three years, Fafhrd and Mouse discover that Ilthmar is boring, and they decide to return to Lankhmar.
Hearing imagery to signify the hate for Lankhmar
Fafhrd tells Sheelba, "Hear me, witch, wizard, night gaunt, whatever you are! I shall never again in my life enter again the fowl city, which has stolen, from my dearest and only love, incomparable and irreplaceable Vlana, for whom I shall forever grieve and whose unspeakable death I shall forever feel guilty." The imagery signifies Fafhrd's reason why he hates Lankhmar and the motivating factor for him to move to Ilthmar. According to Fafhrd, Lankhmar signifies misfortune, and it has become a bad omen for him. Therefore, Fafhrd does not want to be associated with Lankhmar anymore and prefers to change and meet new people.
