"I'm not exactly what you believe me to be, Joanie, but
then neither are most people or things. That isn't particularly
significant in this instance, any more than my looks are--or than the
Herald's or Protector's sex."

Cortin couldn't help it; she grinned at that before continuing. "I'm
certain I'm not the Protector, but you say I'm fulfilling prophecies I
never heard of. That sounds like I'm being used as a decoy--or am I
the Herald?"

The man returned her smile. "In part, yes. Get Ivan to tell you about
the prophecies some day; he grew up with the accurate ones. In the
meantime, you shouldn't worry about them. Mike and Sis will guide you,
and your Family will support you, as will the rest of the Sealed ones."
At this point it would be counterproductive, he thought, telling her
she was also acting Protector; she would simply reject the idea. He
wouldn't lie to her, but he also saw no point in burdening her
unnecessarily, since she could use the aspects of her borrowed powers
that she'd need without accepting that temporary part of her identity.
And he had no doubt the true Protector would grant her her fondest wish
when he arrived.

In part? Cortin wondered, but she decided against going into that; it
sounded like something likely to make her uncomfortable if she
investigated too closely. Instead, she decided to change the subject.
"Am I . . . really going to have to face Shayan?"

"Yes, though not until after the Protector manifests fully, and it
probably won't be as you expect."

"Is Shannon Shayan?"

"Yes."

Cortin was getting a little irritated. He was answering her questions,
true, but he certainly wasn't being very responsive! What else did she
need to know? "You sound like you approve of the Families, but I can't
believe Pope Lucius will." She shook her head, bewildered. "And how
can your Worldly Vicar oppose you?" She paused, a frightening thought
forming. "Unless the Pope's somehow Shannon, as well."

Jeshua sighed. "Pope Lucius is indeed Lawrence Shannon in different
physical form. I can't explain to you exactly what's going on; you
don't need, or really want, to know. Suffice it to say that his hatred
and basic opposition are intact, but his powers, in that position at
this time, do serve my purposes."

That was a shock, but Cortin was aware he was shielding her from most
of the impact, and she was extremely grateful for the protection. Dear
God, Shayan the Pope!

"It's no