Jhereg — Steven Brust

THE ASSASSIN

There are many ways for a young man with quick wits and a quick sword to advance in the world. Vlad Taltos chose the route of the assassin. To his other qualifications he added two things: The first was a smattering of witchcraft-badly thought of on Dragaera, but only a fool refuses such a weapon...

The second was his constant companion, a young jhereg, its leathery wings, and poisonous teeth always at Vlad's command, its alien mind psionically linked with his own. Vlad has never regretted the sorcerous bargain he made with his jhereg's mother: "I offer your egg long life and fresh, red meat without struggle, and I offer it my friendship. I ask for aid in my endeavors. I ask for its wisdom, and I ask for its friendship."