“You speak often of gods and devils. What is the difference?” “That’s easy,” Abitha said. “Gods are benevolent, looking over their flock in return for their devotion. Devils vex and torment.” “And what if it is not that simple?” Samson asked. “Can a god be both slayer and shepherd? Reward and vex? Does your god only do good?” Abitha started to say yes, then considered the book in her hand. “No, I guess not. The Lord, God, He has drowned the world, brought plagues, sends those who offend Him to everlasting torment. Mayhap it depends on how one defines good.”
