hat conceit, but she couldn't. Mike had an
uncomfortable habit of being right, especially in this sort of thing.
On the other hand--"That's one possibility, I suppose. You have to
admit, though, it doesn't sound too plausible: that two women Shannon's
already defeated should be much of a danger to him."

Odeon frowned. "I agree. Still, it's the least unreasonable thing I
can think of, assuming he is Shayan."

"Which I doubt, in spite of Sis' conviction. But we do have to assume
a worst-case scenario, which means we turn around right now and spread
the alarm." Cortin started to rein her horse around.

"No!" Odeon exclaimed, shocking them both with the intensity of his
refusal.

"Why not?" Cortin should have been angry at his insubordination;
instead, she was curious. "You have a hunch about it?"

"Stronger than a hunch," Odeon said, frowning. "It feels like
something vital now, not just a nice idea." He shook his head. "I
don't have any hard evidence, Joanie, but I think Team Azrael's been
chosen--maybe even designed--to take on Shannon. We've got things to
do before we're ready, though. Things we've got to do alone, or with
very few and very carefully chosen people to help. And this is one of
those things."

"You make it sound like we're puppets."

"No!" Again, Odeon's intensity startled both of them. "Compulsion is
Shannon's way, not God's. He'll guide and help us as long as we're
willing to accept His backing, but He won't go beyond that unless we
specifically ask Him to." He managed a grin. "Which I did, back at
the White Fathers' monastery. And I think He just took me up on it,
because I'd never argue a lawful order on my own."

"I know--I think that's what shocked me most," Cortin said. "But . . .
Mike, you're scaring me. Sure, Azrael's good--we picked the best. And
he was telling the truth when he said Shannon was afraid of me, though
I can't imagine why, if he is Shayan. Dear God, Mike, we're only
human!"

"Humans have been known to work wonders, with God's help," Odeon
pointed out. "Though I have to admit I'm not too thrilled about going
up against His Infernal Majesty myself."

"But we both will if we have to. We all will." Cortin shuddered.
"And we'd better be in a state of grace when we do, because we're not
going to have much of a chance of coming out alive." She took a deep
breath, exhaled slowly. "But that's a good idea any time, and I'd
rather think Shannon's just