*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.*