Inquisitor Cortin's professional attentions instead. I
won't injure you--for reasons you do not and cannot now understand,
that would not be to my benefit--but I can and will make you suffer.
I'd suggest you find a place where you can't be heard screaming, and
where you won't injure yourself. It might also be a good idea to use
restraints.*

It went against Odeon's grain to take anything from Shayan willingly,
but as he'd said, he didn't have a choice under the circumstances,
either as law officer or as priest. He'd take the instruction--and the
suggestions. *What about another of the team, to help?*

*If you wish. You'll feel me again when you're ready.*

Odeon shivered as he felt the contact snap. He'd known he'd have to
face Shayan eventually, and he'd been sure it would be an unpleasant
experience--but he hadn't expected it this soon, for even a remotely
similar purpose, and he'd underestimated the unpleasantness. This
definitely classified as something he'd much rather avoid, even though
he knew he wouldn't. He prayed for the strength to do it right, then
tried to decide who he should get to help.

Joanie was out for obvious reasons, he didn't care to have Sis see him
screaming, and Chuck didn't have the experience to handle a situation
like this promised to be. That left Tony, Dave, and Tiny--with
Priest-Inquisitor Bain the most logical choice.

* * * * *

"Are you sure you want to go through with this, Mike?"

Odeon tested the shackles that held him. Dave had padded them, but
otherwise he could have been the Inquisitor's subject instead of his
senior officer, spouse, and friend. "Of course not--got an
alternative?"

Bain shook his head. "No, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.
Okay, you're as ready as I can get you."

Odeon stiffened when he felt Shayan's mind-touch, but the promised pain
didn't come immediately. *I had intended to show my lady the less
pleasant aspects of my realm,* the Hell-King told him, *but she
believes it to be an illusion. So I will show her this operation
instead. She will also believe it to be an illusion--until you remove
my compulsions. Then she will know the truth, that they could be
neither imposed nor removed by a normal human agency. And beneath it
she has considerable empathy. Enough to fit into the group you--and
you, Priest-Lieutenant Bain--are part of.*

*Get on with it!* Odeon sent.

*Such impatience for torment!