to yours. And you're right--I do not generally do things
for others, especially enemies. Nor am I changing that policy; this is
primarily for myself, if that will relieve your mind enough to listen.*

*Do I have any choice?* Odeon asked.

*About listening, yes, though only because I choose to give you the
choice. About doing what I ask, the choice is totally yours. Will you
listen?*

*In that case, I don't see any unavoidable danger; go ahead.*

*You're so kind. I gather you're one of Cortin's holy staff?*

*Of her core group, if that's what you mean,* Odeon replied cautiously.

*The same thing. Is the group complete?*

*No comment.*

*It isn't, then. So you have room for my protege, who will be arriving
this coming Saturday.*

*What!* Odeon was startled, though only briefly. Because someone had
served Shayan didn't mean that person was beyond redemption;
theoretically, Shayan himself could be saved, as he'd once commented to
Joanie. *I'll consider her when she gets here, but that's all I'll
promise.*

*That'll be adequate--you'll be surprised, I think, at her spiritual
state. She's committed few sins.*

That statement was almost as surprising as the Hell-King's
peculiar-seeming chattiness. Odeon knew better than to relax his guard
too much, but his investigator's curiosity was aroused. *That's hard
to believe.*

*Nevertheless, it is true.* Shayan gave the impression of a sardonic
smile. *I'm called the Father of Lies, priest, but that's to salve the
feelings of those who don't want to believe me. The truth is a much
more versatile and useful tool--and usually a far more painful one.
Sara has acted under my compulsions most of her life, so most of what
you'd call her sins are chargeable to me instead. And the fact that
she's been taking the Sacraments from me doesn't alter their validity,
which I find highly amusing.*

It was a good thing for the girl that was true, Odeon thought. *And
will you remove those compulsions before sending her here?*

*I think not,* Shayan told him. *I could, easily--but if I have to
lose her to you, you must be willing to pay my price. You will be the
one to remove my compulsions, if you want her.*

*You know I don't have any choice,* Odeon replied. *You'll have to
show me how--and tell me the price.*

*Showing you how is the price. Giving you that ability involves
restructuring part of your mind, which I promise will make you pray you
were enduring