Titans of Chaos

I said, "Here is what is in it for you, sir. You override and undo the fate Mavors decreed, so thatwe are not caught each time we are in danger. We are not obligated to go act as bait for Lamia,or to cooperate with any war plans of Mavors. You decree that what law Lord Terminus made tokeep us captive is null and void. Can you do that?"

He nodded. "And?"

"And we agree in return to vow that we will not, deliberately or negligently, endanger the Cosmosor threaten mankind. The moment we put man or man's universe in current and obvious danger,we are forsworn, and you, and only you, can find us again. In other words, we keep our libertybecause the reason for keeping us prisoner no longer applies. Then you are the one who is in aposition to save the world; the other gods and goddesses will have to come to you to find outwhere we are."

He said, "This would prevent you from returning to Chaos, would it not?"

I said, "Probably, but not necessarily. This oath would prevent us from returning for so long assuch an act would endanger the universe. Anything might happen. Chaos could make peace withCosmos. The horse could learn how to sing. Anything."

"And why do I want four dangerous little chaoticists running around my universe in the firstplace? If I let Mavors have his way, you'll get swept up in his battle, and, once on the battlefield,he can make sure you're captured again, unless he is wounded or killed."

I licked my lips, and picked each word carefully. I had messed up negotiating with ap Cymru, andhad messed up talking with Mavors. Time to make good.

"Because as long as we are free, we have a good reason to see you get back on the throne again,don't we? We won't swear any oath. We don't know you well enough for that. But, whether we likeit or not, if someone else achieved the throne of Olympos, someone other than you, the King of theCosmos would no longer have a reason to allow us our liberty. It will be in our best interest, inour enlightened self-interest, to see that you get your way. And, for all you know, this deal mightbe the first of a beautiful relationship. You treat us well now; we have reason to treat you wellnext time. You let Mavors win this round, there is no next time."

He pursed his lips. "Is that your best offer?"

I gave him a coy look sidelong, through half-lowered eyelashes, but did not answer the question.

There are some questions it is better not to answer.