ome from the Empire, which he'd accepted without really
believing. And the timing--over four months ago, Shayan had declared
himself their reluctant and temporary ally, informing them the true
Protector would manifest in less than six months. He sent that ally a
thought. *It has to be Keith, doesn't it?*

He felt Shayan exploring his recent memories, then agreement. *It
would seem so. I cannot say when or how the exchange will be made,
however.*

*Then will come what you've been calling the decision point.*

*Indeed. Were I you, I would increase my devotional activities,
particularly the Mass--I give you leave to say it as often as you
wish--the Rosary, and the Litany of the archangel whose name you share.
Now I would recommend you get back to work.*

*Yes, Your Holiness.* Odeon's attention returned to his surroundings
in time to see Cortin extend her hands to Keith, smiling.

"I accept your service and yourself with thanks, warrior."

Keith took her hands and rose, then bowed to her. "You do me great
honor, Thakur."

"The honor is mine," Cortin replied. "Are there any formalities that
need to be taken care of?"

"I'll handle those when we finish here," Medart said. "His release
from service, back pay and allowances--but it'll be up to you to notify
his clan and make arrangements for his tattoo."

"When we're done here, as you say." Cortin turned to her new sworn
man. "To give you a status recognized here, I'm commissioning you a
Royal Enforcement Service officer. Now, would you like to test your
theory?"

"Very much, Thakur." Keith paused, then continued apologetically.
"I'm afraid I don't know how, though. One of our strongest customs
forbids any same-sex physical intimacy. Since it seems yours doesn't,
that no longer applies to me, of course--but the fact remains that I
have no such experience."

Cortin chuckled. "That can be remedied easily enough, if you decide
you want to, but for your present purposes you don't need experience.
All you have to do is take hold of him, snugly enough to provide a
friction surface but not tight. The eroticine will make him take care
of the rest."

"That sounds simple enough." Keith reached for the prisoner.

The Sandeman didn't look too sure of himself, Odeon thought, when he
took hold of the prisoner's erection and the man began moving. Well,
Keith had said he had no experience with men . . . It looked like he
was a quick study, though--starting