“Sorry. I didn’t mean to be flip, just honest. I represent a sort of Concern called the Two Serpents Group, and we’re debating whether to work with your Order. I’ve come to investigate, and advise my board.”

No wonder Twilling gave Kai this assignment. Scut work. “Long way to come for an informational interview.”

“Consider my three days of seasickness and muscle cramps a compliment to your Order’s reputation.”

“You didn’t have to come all this way. We could have met over nightmare telegraph.”

“I never liked nightmares. Not very personal. I mean, in a way they’re personal as you can get, direct mind-to-mind contact and all, but they’re not, you know, real. I’m an old-fashioned gal. I like to see people face-to-face. Get out of the office once in a while. Hence my presence here. I was in Alt Coulumb for a conference, which made this trip a natural addition. We’ve been debating this move for a year at least, usual analysis-paralysis dance. Good arguments on both sides, and whenever time comes to make a final decision, more pressing business presents itself.”

“What side are you on?”

“The against side,” she said. “I don’t like gods.”

“Our idols aren’t gods.”

“I don’t like anything that looks like a god. But I’m prepared to be convinced.” Teo leaned back against the windowsill, sun behind her. The light stung Kai’s eyes.

“You’re looking for a reason to reject us.”

Teo shook her head. “I have plenty of reasons. Give me more and I’ll take them, sure, but I’m looking for a reason to work with you.”

Kai crossed her arms. This was why she hated humanity. Idols were clear. Such and thus a rate of return. This contract, with that consideration. Humans hid their goals within a mess of flesh and lies. Teo could be telling the truth, or not, or saying things she thought were true but were in fact lies she’d sold herself. People cherished lies. Kai herself had believed she was in love for years.

Human beings. Liars all, and surprisingly it worked. She’d heard that the Badlands east of Dresediel Lex harbored tribes of scorpions grown large and sentient, which skittered, hunting, across the desert. She wondered if they were any easier to handle.

“Perhaps,” she said, “you could tell me something about your Concern.”

Teo nodded. “We’re … a little different than most you see through here.”

“Everyone says that.”

“I expect they do.” She laced her fingers. “We spend soulstuff. We don’t make it.”

“Good luck with that.”

“See what I mean?” Teo grinned on a slant, like Mara. She’d told this tale before, and met the same reaction often enough to find humor there. “We form peaceful, mutually beneficial agreements between gods and Deathless Kings.”

“Is that even possible? Gods and Deathless Kings don’t tend to see eye to eye.”