Knowledge shall lead the...

[Corwin]

"Would the amulet cover up a divine presence?" Seira asks Asmodeus. "As is, any attempts at stealth would be pointless whenever I or my avatar enter any sort of divine realm, given the realm owner's ability to detect my arrival."

[Anastasia]

"Yes," Asmodeus says calmly, as the two besides you simply wait.

[Corwin]

"Is there anything special about the Hades seed?" she asks, even as her avatar back on standby at the Cauldron reaches out to Zaphkiel to ask the same thing. "Does it have more than three charges, or are those charges more powerful than those of other seeds?"

She can't really find a reason to do all this horse trading besides fucking with her, so perhaps she needs to think outside the box a bit.

[Anastasia]

"It is likely it has three charges," Asmodeus agrees with you on that. "You are aware of the cultists that surround it. They will not submit without a battle."

He speaks the truth.

My counterpart seldom lies, the question best to ask is what you don't know and what he could gain even in your complete success.

Hell was strengthened by the Abolition War and turned a defeat on face value into a step forward.

We have been strengthened by the fall of Lifasa and did the same to make a defeat a victory.

Often one move supports a dozen others, ones you may not appreciate or understand until it is too late, or it is simply unavoidable for you.

Asmodeus merely says to that, "We all need our victories in these coming times, no matter our normal disagreements. Every step forward for the Cauldron is a step forward towards our victory, as every step forward for Hell is a step forward towards our victory."

[Corwin]

"Alright," Seira decides. "To feel better about it, let's limit the gains for Hell to three normal charges from this. Should the seed be able to elevate its users beyond that, that remainder will go to me. Furthermore, I don't want some pointless betrayal such as those favored by the Adversary. You're giving me the green light to go after the Lost Chalice, so you and yours won't alert Dispater or otherwise make it harder for me to succeed than he's already made it. If you agree to this, we have a deal and can go after the Hades seed in a few days once I've had a chance to start my preparations for the infiltration of the Iron Tower. Nine days works, if you like the numerology."

She shrugs. "If this is not acceptable to you, then let's part amiably and work towards our goals separately."

[Anastasia]

"That is acceptable, with the provision that my promised rewards will be given after you succeed in Hades and return with that divine seed," Asmodeus says. "

[Corwin]

"I'd really appreciate the secret passage from the start so I could get to planning properly. The rest can certainly wait until I act. Does that work for you?"

[Anastasia]

There is a consideration of that, perhaps just a moment of thought. Who can say how a being such as this truly thinks? Yet the answer comes, "Acceptable," Is the answer.

[Corwin]

"We have a deal," Seira agrees. And with that taken care of, she's free to satisfy her curiosity. "If you don't mind the question, why didn't you pick your children to carry out your plan? Glasya seems pretty competent, too."

[Anastasia]

"Every piece has a role," Asmodeus merely states, "Why did my counterpart not use Sealtiel, or use Eblis now?"

[Corwin]

"I'll ask him some time," Seira responds. "I believe this covers everything? I'll be in touch in nine days, and if there is some reason to step things up let me know." She glances at the divine seed. "Is that considered part of the rewards, or am I leaving with it now?"

[Anastasia]

"The rewards," Asmodeus agrees, "Help her return," the Lord of the Ninth decrees.

Gathgorian and Bel rises as one and bow deeply to the Serpent Throne, before they turn and walk away.

[Corwin]

Ah well. It would've been easier with the help of all that power, but Seira is capable of delaying gratification! She inclines her head at Asmodeus once more, and turns to follow the two flunkies.

[Anastasia]

Once you are out you find you exit not to the chasm, but a ruby red, gilded staircase.

It's silent long moments until Bel speaks, "You will not hesitate to do what needs to be done with these daemons," His voice is hard, cold. That of a military officer, a bleak aggression.

[Corwin]

"Actually, this is a good chance to say what I think. And I think I should be in charge of that expedition, since Asmodeus all but said you two can't do it without me." Seira gives them an apologetic smile. "No offense."