at the
Royal Hotel. She accepted gladly; much as she enjoyed being at Harmony
Lodge, the idea of going out for breakfast was appealing. It wouldn't
do Mike any harm, either, and she liked the idea of having Chuck seen
as one of her team by people who might otherwise have trouble believing
it.

And Chuck did seem to enjoy being at the head table. "Having fun?" she
asked with a smile.

Powell returned the smile. "Sure am! Last time I saw some of these, I
was a prisoner remanded to the High King's Inquisitor, thinking sure
I'd be dead in a day or so--now I'm your private secretary, Sealed to
the Protector, and happy as a puppy with a new kid. What more could
anyone ask?"

"Put that way, nothing," Cortin replied, amused. "You also look better
in uniform than you did in civvies, if that matters."

"I think so, too." Powell hesitated, then glanced briefly at Odeon and
mouthed, "What about Mike?"

Cortin shrugged, wishing again that she and the rest of the team shared
the telepathy Shayan had given Sis, Dave, and Mike. Even limited to
themselves, unlike the telepathic Talent Ivan described, it would have
been useful.

There was no point in fruitless wishing, though, so she turned her
attention to the meal and her hosts. "This was very thoughtful of you
and the rest, Captain Watkins--we all appreciate it. I, for one, have
gotten more out of touch than I intended, that morning at the Eagle's
Nest."

"You have had a lot to occupy you, Excellency." Watkins ventured a
smile. "It's an honor to have you with us--but I must confess it's a
little unnerving sitting next to the Protector's Herald."

"It's more than a little unnerving to be the Herald," Cortin said. "It
might not be as bad if I had a decent idea what I was supposed to do,
but I'm operating by guesswork. On the other hand, it'll give me a
better chance of establishing the Families." She wished she could tell
everyone here about her Family, and fief, and coming grandchild, but
that would have to wait . . . "Do you have an understanding chaplain
yet?"

"Not exactly, but Lieutenant Bain hears Confessions at the Center often
enough that we're in a lot better shape than we were." This time, his
smile wasn't tentative. "Having the Communion of Promise, and the
Herald being an Inquisitor, helps even more. Civs still don't like us,
but I've seen less hostility since you got the stigmata."

"That'll help," Cortin said. "I have a feeling we're sup