*A service that will be to both my benefit and Cortin's--and so indirectly 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 Inquisitor Cortin's professional attentions instead. I won't injure you--for reasons you do not and cannot now understand, that would not be to my benefit--but I can and will make you suffer. I'd suggest you find a place where you can't be heard screaming, and where you won't injure yourself. It might also be a good idea to use restraints.*