Titans of Chaos

"Well, that depends. I was pitched off the throne by my uncles, but I never formally abdicated. Myrealm is shrunken somewhat, so only my brothers Fear and Dread keep faith with me. My sisterTrouble is with me, too, sort of, but she's almost more trouble than she's worth. Well, it's notmuch, but it is something." He shrugged. "Every leader has some setbacks from time to time. So?

We are the sovereign power that rules the ordered universe. You have a petition to ask. Ask."

"Can I ask for peace between Cosmos and Chaos?"

"Petitions for peace can only be granted by both parties in contention, not by one. But I ampleased, very pleased, that you thought to ask for that before you asked for life or freedom. LordTerminus had you raised together, as Earthly children, and instructed in the histories and arts ofman. Have you never wondered why?"

"I have wondered," I admitted.

"Boreas told me the reason."

"You trust him?"

"Indeed. But I don't like him. Likeable and trustworthy are not the same thing, are they? ButBoreas, even after Terminus died, kept faith with the orders he was given, kept his promises.

Which is why I trust him now, that cold bastard, and I let him know where I was, despite thepeople hunting me-"

The door swung open. There was Vanity, wearing a sheer peach evening dress with the tags at theneckline. "I thought I heard voices. Who the heck are you? Leader, is someone molesting youagain? I swear you give off a scent that attracts perverts."

Archer, startled, let go of me and straightened up slightly. Then he swung his gaze back towardme, but the moment he took his eyes from me, the wall behind me gave way, and I had fallenthrough a trapdoor that snapped silently shut behind me. I was in a little crawl space that ranbehind the dressing rooms.

Smoothly done. I had no idea Vanity was so smooth. I was in a crawl space: so I crawled.

Archer said, "Where'd she go?"

Vanity was saying, "You're Cupid, aren't you? The one who lost the throne?"

"I know exactly where is it, Lady Nausicaa." Through the wall, I could see him smile aningratiating smile and place his hand on his heart. "It is merely that armed warriors standbetween me and it."

Vanity did not smile back, which was rare for her. Instead she said in a businesslike tone, "Bogginsays you can overrule Mavors. Is that true?"