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. Some enemy you're I punishing?"
"She had been an enemy, yes. And she's nasty, untrustworthy, and has a
poisonous bite. She's also a deposed queen. I didn't freeze her, though. The
sorcerer who's after me did it. She's the mother of a friend, and I rescued
her and brought her back here for safekeeping. I had no reason for releasing
her, until now."
"Ah, as an ally against her old enemy."
"Exactly. She's well acquainted with the place I'm t going. But she
doesn't like me and she's not easy to deal with-and I don't really know
whether her son gave me enough ammunition to make her trustworthy."
"Do you feel she'd be a real asset?"
"Yes. I'd like to have all of that animus on my side. And I understand
she's an accomplished sorceress."
"If additional persuading is needed, there are only threats and bribes.
I've a few private hells I've designed and furnished-for purely esthetic
reasons. She might find a quick tour very impressive. On the other hand, I
could send for a pot of jewels."
"I don't know," I said. "Her motivations are somewhat complex. Let me
handle this, as far as I'm able."
"Of course. Those were only suggestions."
"As I see it, the next order of business is to rouse her, put the
proposition to her, and attempt to judge her response."
"There is no one else you might bring along, from among your kinsmen
here?"
"I' m afraid to let any of them know I' m going
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