18.1

"Are you sure we should do this? Your last attempt at this was less than stellar, as I recall," Bethel sneered, eyeing Vector across a great, black cauldron.

"That was a minor oversight. I have since corrected the problem," Vector replied.

"Are you sure you can control it?"

"YES!"

"How?"

"In Lyr I acquired an appropriate talisman! And by our combining our power, we can offset the missing monocles!"

"But what makes you sure the she-devil won't interfere?"

"Bethel, you underestimate me! My sources in Lyr tell me she routinely spars with this particular sort of demon. She has already killed Vulkar in such an encounter. She is bound by the same rules as everyone else in the material world - she cannot use the same weapon against the Undead Barbarian a second time. He will be immune to her."

"You're absolutely certain the new talisman will control Vulkar this time?"

"I would not attempt it otherwise!"

The Witch thought a moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright. I'll help you. I'm willing to try anything to be rid of her. But Vulkar must not kill Dirk!"

"Why Bethel," Vector smiled, "as you know very well, Wizards and Witches cannot kill mortals. She-devils, however, are fair game. Don't you agree?"