vance
warning, I should think! Isn't it bad enough that His Majesty keeps
pulling this sort of surprise on me?"

"It is fun to surprise you when we have the chance," Illyanov said.
"Would you deny us a bit of harmless entertainment?"

Cortin chuckled ruefully. "Put that way, of course not--how could I?
But someday I may be able to pull the same thing on you, be warned!"

"We shall consider ourselves properly warned indeed," Illyanov agreed.

"Good enough." Cortin moved her shoulders uncomfortably, but maybe it
would help the discomfort she still felt if she did talk about what had
happened with the farm-folk this afternoon. "Until then, I need some
moral support. Something scary happened while I was questioning the
first conscript today--since you weren't all in earshot, and Ivan
wasn't there at all, can I describe it?"

"Please," Illyanov said.

Cortin did. When the description was over, she said, "I can't really
describe how it felt, though. He honestly believed I am the Protector,
was worshipping me. I was told not to deny that identification, so I
didn't--but dear God, it was frightening! And several of the others
were almost as bad. Being treated like the Herald is awful enough;
being treated like the Protector Herself is . . . I don't know, I don't
have the right word. I don't think I'd like it even if I were Her. Or
Him."

"Whether you did or not would have little bearing," Illyanov said.
"God does not need to be worshipped; He--or She--requires it of us
because it is we who need to worship, and if we do not worship God, we
will worship someone or something less worthy."

"That makes sense," Cortin said. "It's not what I'd choose, but I've
been frightened and embarrassed before, without a Family for support.
I suppose I'll learn to live with it--I'll have to, since I don't have
any choice."

"You also have the support of the rest of us who are Sealed," Illyanov
said, leaning over to kiss her. "Would you like me--or us--to spend
the night?"

"Either or both, any time--which you know. But what about your
families?"

"Mine went directly to Archangel and is busy moving in, with Delia's
help. Brad's, I believe, is preparing for the move."

"They are," Bradford said, "so I can't stay past Communion--I have to
help, as long as I'm in town."

Cortin grinned, her mood lightening. "Too bad for you, Brad; that
means Sara'll have to wait for unity with you. Though not with Ivan,
if he's wi