"There will be opportunity to discuss details provided we can agree

in principle. If you are favorably inclined I will consult with the other Ordenes."

"It is pointless to consult with anyone, because first I must know what you want of me."

Zaa said stonily: "I cannot even broach the subject until I reach a consensus."

"Can you do so at once? Time presses on me; I must leave here inside an hour or two."

"I will act with all haste if you agree to my proposal in its broad principles. I must have an unqualified answer."

Glawen shook his head.

"This comes much too suddenly upon me. I can't agree to terms so vague."

Zaa said coldly: "You must decide whether you want the information you came here for, or not."

"I want the information, certainly. But what are these services? How much time will be needed? Is travel involved?

If so, where? If you want me to injure or threaten someone, or take risks, I decline altogether. In short, I insist upon learning full details before I agree to undertake these services."

Zaa seemed pleased rather than otherwise.

"So shall it be!

It is a prudent posture to take and I commend you for it. I accede to your wishes, and the contract shall be on your terms."

Zaa turned and made a gesture. From a shadowed passage came Mutis. Zaa gave him a terse order, which Glawen failed to hear. Mutis turned away and disappeared into the gloom of the passage.

Glawen found the episode disquieting.

"What is the reason for that?"

"You have insisted wisely so upon full knowledge of what we want of you. In this regard, the indispensable first step is an under standing of our order and our basic precepts, which you will find not only fascinating but helpful and a source of strength. I have sent for someone who will instruct you, at least in basic principles."

Glawen forced himself to speak quietly and in mild tones.

"Ordene Zaa, with all due respect, your program is neither feasible, nor practical, nor at all to my liking. As a matter of fact, last night I looked through a book, a primer of Monomantics, and I already know something of your ideas:

enough to last me for quite a while."

Zaa nodded and smiled.

"I know the book. It is, let us say, an introduction to an introduction. It definitely will not serve the purpose."

Glawen spoke with resolution: "Ordene Zaa, I have neither time nor inclination for your studies. Give me my information, then explain what you want me to do for you. If at all feasible, I will do it. But I want no instruction nor any demands upon my time. In fact I must catch the evening bus back to Fexelburg, or my colleague will be worried and notify the

IPCC."

"Really? In that case, there will be a telephone call and you will be allowed to reassure them that all is well."

"Haven't I made myself clear?" asked Glawen.

Zaa paid no heed.

"Instruction is essential. Otherwise, your understanding will not be complete, and this is a term of our contract."

Into the chamber came Mutis with two others: the first as burly as Mutis himself, the second a person of distinctly slighter physique: a youth or a young woman.

Zaa spoke to the three: "This is Glawen, who will be taking instruction with us for a period. Lilo, you will bring him through the Primers and probably the first Compendium." To Glawen Zaa said:

"Lilo is an excellent instructor, perceptive and patient.

Muds and Funo are both High Ordinaries, and House Monitors.

Both are wise and dutiful, and you must heed their advice at all times."

Glawen cried out angrily: "Once and for all, I want no instruction in Monomantics, or anything else. Since you apparently do not plan to give me the information I came for, I will leave."

"Do not be discouraged," said Zaa.

"If you study diligently, we shall not think the trouble in vain. You will now be prepared for study."

Mutis and Funo moved forward.

"Come!" said Mutis.

"We will show you your chamber."

Glawen looked at Zaa and again sensed the emotion on her face. She took pleasure in his humiliation. He spoke soberly: "So you seriously plan to keep me here against my will?"

Zaa had once again masked herself.

"It is not a frivolous decision," she said.

"The terms of our contract are explicit."

Glawen moved toward the passage.

"I am leaving. Interfere with me at your own risk."

Mutis and Funo stepped slowly forward; Glawen pushed them aside and strode through the passage into the vestibule.

Mutis and Funo followed without haste. Glawen went to the door, but could find no latch or release. He shoved and tugged, but it refused to swing open.

Mutis and Funo came slowly forward. Glawen stood with his back to the door, prepared to fight as best he could.

Liio intervened.