"Hello, Che," the woman said. "Hello, Jenny."

It was Godiva! "I didn't recognize you!" Jenny exclaimed. "Are you prisoner too?"

Godiva laughed. "No, dear. I had them lock me in with you so we could be assured of absolute privacy. I know you wish to rest, but there is something I must explain to you, which I could not before, and a commitment I must have from you."

"We honored the Betrothees' deal with you and came here," Che said. "I believe that expiates our obligation."

"Yes, it does, Che," she agreed. "Indeed, Jenny had no obligation to me, and she is here by her own choice. Now we must forge a new deal."

"I honored the deal only because it was made by others on my behalf," Che said. "I am under no obligation to make a new one."

"Nevertheless, one must be made," the gobliness said grimly. "Now that Jenny is here, she must become party to it." She glanced across Che's back to Jenny. "But we must get you some clothing. Just one moment." She went to the door and rapped on it with a knuckle. "Bring one of Gwendolyn's outfits," she called.

"Yes, lady," a goblin answered.

Godiva returned to Che. "I am prepared to offer commitments of my own in return for yours. First, a comfortable mode of life, including the best food, clothing, and entertainment, along with security. In return for your commitment never to tell another person what I am about to tell you now."

Jenny was astonished. "If you want to keep a secret, don't tell us at all!" she said. "I don't think we're your friends." But she regretted that, because Godiva had impressed her during their journey here.

"But I think we have seen enough of one another to know that we can trust one another," Godiva said, "if we give our words. Therefore we can deal."

"This is true," Che said. "But I see no reason to give our words."

"Because if you don't, I can not tell you why I abducted you," Godiva said evenly. "The entire mission will become pointless, and that will profit none of us."

"Then perhaps you should let us go," the centaur said.

"I am not prepared to do that. And I think that you will understand, once I tell you why you are here."

"I do not care to understand," Che said, his little jaw setting.

Godiva sighed. "Centaur stubbornness is legendary. But you do not need to agree to fulfill the role I have in mind for you, only to agree to listen—and not to tell others. This is not unreasonable."

"You abducted me," Che said, showing that stubbornness she had described. "You have no right to ask anything of me, only to return me to my dam."

Godiva considered. "Suppose I tell Jenny Elf, and then she can tell you whether to make the deal?"

"Now wait—" Jenny protested.