"I don't know that I have the freedom to do that even if I so wished," Ince said. "It may be better that the Progenitor remains as she is. If I now alter whatever are the natural results of her actions what will I set loose? The responsibility will be mine."
        "What do you speak of?" Vryyh's voice trembled.
        "I cannot barter with the Progenitor now. If I could speak with her I might contract with her before attempting to restore her. As it is, I would act with no guarantee, no payment. She might lie to me."
        "The Progenitor does not lie!" Vryyh was quiet, emphatic.
        "She did not uphold the acceptance. That is my experience of her."
        "If I place myself as guarantee?"
        Ince shook her head. "I have no knowledge of what precisely your influence is with the Progenitor nor what your value is to her. But it makes no difference. I cannot do it."
        "But Fion could?" I asked.
        "If she knew how. She holds the remnants upon her."