ith you and whoever
else is in the same situation in custody, but there's no doubt what'll
happen if you're not. And I'll see it's as comfortable for you as it
can be. Do you know how many others are in your situation?"

The man shrugged. "Maybe half of this group; I couldn't say how many
anywhere else. You will save Catherine?"

"We'll do our best," Cortin promised. "In fact-- Colonel Bradford?"

"Yes, Excellency?"

"Can you arrange for a special Enforcement task force devoted to
finding these . . . hostages?"

"As soon as we return to base, Excellency. And may I suggest you offer
these men employment in Archangel under Strike Force protection until
their families can be rescued, or confirmed dead?"

"Mmm. It would give them something to do and provide income . . ." She
turned to the man. "Would you be interested in that sort of offer?"

"Yes, if it was something I could do--better than sitting around
sweating it out."

"Reconstructing and fixing up some prewar buildings," Bradford told
him. "Headquarters for His Majesty's Strike Force, and Her Grace's
Archducal Palace and Enforcement headquarters."

The man looked from Bradford to Cortin. "I can do that, Lady. Thank
you. And I believe you will find Catherine, if she's still alive."

"As I said, we'll do our best." Her job-related questioning over with
this man, she thought it reasonable to ask about his odd phrasing.
"Now--why do you keep calling me Lady?"

"I can't think of any other good term, Lady."

"Interesting," Cortin said slowly. "I have plenty of titles, yet you
pick one of the few I can't claim. Who or what do you think I am?"

"Not think, Lady Protector--I know." The man knelt, bowing his head.
"I've just confessed to the Priest-Captain--may I have Your blessing?"

Cortin looked at Odeon, feeling a twinge of dismay. This man honestly
believed she was the Protector, not just His Herald--and that was a
frightening idea, one she wanted to deny. Odeon was nodding slightly,
though, and Jeshua had told her not to deny it if she were called
either Herald or Protector--so she blessed the man, then raised him to
his feet, disturbed by the expression of open worship on his face. If
she couldn't deny being the Protector, she supposed she'd have to learn
to live with that attitude--but she didn't think it would be easy.

"One last favor, Lady, if You don't mind?" the man said hesitantly.

"What is it?"

"I'd . . . like to pay You