"What I mean is," I started, then stopped. "I don't know what I mean. But I'm thinking."
        Ince nodded, waiting. Sometimes we could work through, together, difficult webs and make some pattern from them and something thus of use.
        "I know you won't countenance this but we must consider everything. Is it possible that the Progenitor does love and cherish Vryyh so that she retains her as Prime despite her actions toward you, or even because of them? Because she honors such a being?"
        Ince's contempt struck me like a blow. It thrust from her with that force. "She does love nothing. Not even herself. She does not know how. She lusts after power; she indulges herself with her consorts; that is all."
        "How do you know this about her? You have never been here. Have you seen her?"
        "I have investigated her. To ensure myself that Vryyh remains all right."
        "Yes," I said. I would expect Ince to do that. I would expect her to unleash a very war of righteousness if any mistreatment of Vryyh could be discovered. I carefully selected another seed. "Why do you think you were the only child to be culled?"
        "I have never thought about it."
        This struck me as odd. I would stake much that Ince thought upon everything and at great length and depth. I told her so.