Tribute to Hell

to put up with this. She’s just a slip of a girl. We can take the Covenant off her in a second, and destroy it together.’

Astatine hadn’t thought of that, yet they had diced together; they had just fought side by side, and they both wanted the Covenant destroyed. Of course they would take it.

Do you seriously think I’ll deal with you again after you cheated me? said K’nacka.

‘It was worth a try,’ said Behemoth.

Besides, I can’t bear the tedium of Elyssian any longer.

‘Not even with all those month-brides to comfort you?’ Behemoth said slyly.

They were just for show; what use are brides to a codless god? But it’ll be different in Perdition. I’m looking forward to the challenge of toppling you. I feel quite alive again.

‘So do I, my old enemy,’ said Behemoth, his black eyes gleaming. ‘So do I.’

After K’nacka had returned to the other gods, Behemoth said, ‘You drive a devil of a bargain, Daughter.’

‘I learned from the master. Oh, and when you go, take Fistus with you.’

‘If he enters Perdition alive, he’ll suffer even more cruelly.’

Mercy, vengeance, or retribution? The abbey’s teachings, or Perdition’s? She had broken her vow and no abbey would take her in, but she would always be a demon’s daughter. Besides, mercy would only give Fistus the chance to begin again. ‘He has to pay his debts. Take him.’

Behemoth nodded, rose, but settled down again, staring at her.

‘What?’ Astatine said, afraid he was going to punish her.

‘Take off that ugly white skin. Let me see my beautiful daughter as she really is.’

She started, then went between the rocks, undressed and took hold of an edge of her white skin. It sloughed off easily, as if Behemoth had broken the bonds that held it in place. Astatine threw the ugly novice’s habit away, put her gown on over the cocoa skin that felt so right, and went back.

Behemoth sighed and, to her astonishment, an adamantine tear appeared in one eye.

‘Come back with me,’ he said. ‘In Perdition you will be a princess. You can have everything you ever wanted.’

Astatine was tempted, but she said, ‘Why would I want to be a princess of tormented souls?’

‘A nun is a slave to live souls.’

‘I can’t be a nun; I’ve broken my vows.’

‘No one need ever know. You can go back, if that’s what you really want.’

‘I would know. Besides, someone has to make up for what you and K’nacka have done to Hightspall. I’m going to help put it right.’

‘You won’t succeed. The world is too far gone.’ He grinned wickedly. ‘It’s mine.’

‘Not any more. I’m going to fight the influence of Perdition all the way.’

‘I’m sure you will,’ he said fondly. ‘But the gods are no better, you know.’

Astatine hesitated, now knowing how imperfect the gods were; how capricious. She wasn’t entirely sure she believed in them any more, as gods. And yet, perhaps they were needed.

‘People have to believe in something, Father. If they can’t, they’ll believe in anything. Besides, I believe that the gods reflect who we are. If we live better lives, they might, too.’

‘Blasphemy!’ he growled. ‘Well, don’t think you’re going to corrupt me into goodness.’

‘I’m my father’s daughter,’ she said, smiling sweetly. ‘I’ve already corrupted you.’