Soul Music - Muse

He swung himself off the hard bed and padded over to the window. The Shades of Ankh-Morpork were just visible in the grey, cheap-rate light before dawn. A breeze blew in through the open window. When he turned around, there was a young woman standing in the middle of the floor. She put her finger to her lips.

'Don't go shouting to the little troll,' she said. 'He's downstairs having some supper. Anyway, he wouldn't be able to see me.'

'Are you my muse?'

Susan frowned. 'I think I know what you mean,' she said. 'I've seen pictures. There were eight of them, led by . . . um . . . Cantaloupe. They're supposed to protect people. The Ephebians believe they inspire musicians and artists, but of course they don't exi-' She paused, and made a conscientious correction. 'At least, I've never met them. My name's Susan. I'm here because . . .'

Her voice trailed away.

***

Soul Music - p165