So, here's the deal: I don't think that the GW are specifically the jealous types. Maybe some of them are. But then, maybe some are more the polygamous types. 3-way (or more) roads are much more hard to build and maintain than 2-way ones. Also. Here's a thought: perhaps even having an unrevealed GW is enough to, if it wishes to, have things go your way. We already have evidence that Pathfinder brought itself to Aliera, and not the other way around. Therefore, we know that they are able to manipulate events, and, may I say, seem to have a potential to very *strongly* influence those events...If that's right, then it logically follows that they can have their own agendas. Now here's the leap: maybe they have their own agenda, as a group? In Orca, there was a group of Imperial personnel working to cover something up. With that end in mind, certain operatives were chosen--and even more basic, a certain Imperial task-force was chosen, for its specialties. Vlad, or Kiera, goes through the list, by process of elimination of all the possible groups that could be behind the cover up. Their qualities and specialties are listed. But only one remains once the list is done. But back to GW: perhaps, to clarify the question of why there are only a few of the GW that come into the story, or are even mentioned, well perhaps the agenda that the GWs have is being pursued--but only the most suited towards that goal have been selected to complete the "task" that their agenda requires. So we have SPOILERS SPOILERS Morrolan with Blackwand, whos main ability seems simply to be "creating death". Iceflame whose ability is to make permanent, or to be enduring, like Dzur Mountain, among other things, I'm sure. We have Pathfinder who "finds the true path", we have Godslayer that "removes aspects of deity". Which is different than what happens to Verra in _BP_--she is simply prevented from manifesting in the East. It does not kill her, though. But it does remove an aspect of her deity, if for no other reason than each parish will have a different spin on the archetype that is a god/goddess. Furthermore, it controls her, and makes her more a Demon and less a Goddess. But let us examine what these GW can do, with these skills. Pathfinder is amazing at breaking, as we see in Issola, the barriers between the worlds. Godslayer breaks through enchantment like it isn't there. Blackwand wipes out armies. Iceflame is more magically oriented than a blade like Blackwand, yet isn't meant specifically for killing Gods or Jenoine. But we know that it can do it, and has done it before, as we know from _Taltos_. Any GW can kill a J if the attack is very lucky, and the J fails to protect against it, amongst other things. But they can kill. HOWEVER The GW were made by the Serioli, to attempt to kill the Gods, who oppress their race. Perhaps their agenda was specifically to put Godslayer in Vlad's hands so that he can start thinning the herd, so to speak. I wonder how he'd fare in a fight against Morrolan, for instance---and then against Verra herself. I wonder if he'd do it for money :) Anyway... I don't think we can really know *why* the GW are where they are, and with whom, or what their purpose is---but I think we can all agree that they *do* seem to have a purpose, maybe even a communal purpose. Is the orb enough to counter it/them, if they turn against it? I would posit that if they are aimed against the Empire/LOJ, then there at least seems to be a great deal of dissension amongst the ranks of the GW--IF, PF, BW are all wielded by people sworn to protect the Empire. GS is the only one who/that is in the hands of someone whose loyaties are less clear, especially given his soul's history. Perhaps GS's re-emergence is a tick for the J side of things--but maybe not. I mean, I hardly think it coincidence that Sethra/Kiera took so much time with one measly Easterner. She must have known *something*. After all, she "can perform a simple divination". So what with the ties of loyalty that Vlad has to the wielders of all the other GW, perhaps the the J side made a mistake, and has their own weapon turned against them once again. Of course it's possible that the GW are all acting for the LOJ side, having been coaxed away from the agenda that the Serioli and J would have them pursue. Who knows. Maybe Steve does, but he'll probably say something like "yup" or "He gets the grapefruit" or something... P.S. I HATE grapefruits. Jon <html><DIV> </DIV></html> _________________________________________________________________ STOP MORE SPAM with the MSN Premium and get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-ca&page=byoa/prem&xAPID=1994&DI=1034&SU=http://hotmail.com/enca&HL=Market_MSNIS_Taglines