“So be it.” Sendar gave his blessing and dismissal all in one, despite Talamir’s misgivings. Admittedly, though, the misgivings were all concerned with other people’s reactions to Alberich, and not anything having to do with Alberich’s trustworthiness. Kantor was convinced; so was Taver. That was all that Talamir needed. “Talamir, I’d like you to organize Elcarth and Jadus. Let them recruit Priest Gerichen, not you.”

“Oh, that shouldn’t be difficult,” Talamir admitted. “I suspect that Gerichen’s superior already has something like that in mind, since he brought the fellow along this afternoon on his official pastoral visit.”

“Then once he’s on his feet and ready to be integrated into the Collegium, Selenay, I’d like you to see to the bodyguard business,” Sendar continued. His daughter nodded, her eyes bright.

“Easily done,” she replied confidently. She looked like a cat that had just made off with an entire jug full of cream and a brace of trout to boot. Very pleased with herself.

:She should be,: Taver put in.

Perhaps—but she still seemed very young to him. Too young to be so closely involved with this potentially dangerous situation. He could readily foresee Council members suspecting that Alberich was subverting the young Heir…

:Yes, but that’s supposed to be what she is going to do to him,: replied Taver. :Really, Chosen, if you think that a healthy young man is going to be indifferent to an intelligent and attractive young lady, and isn’t going to be influenced by her, you’re very much mistaken.:

:You have a point. And I’m sure the thought has crossed her father’s mind as well,: he admitted.

He sensed Taver’s amusement. :There you have it. If you take that line with the Council, it will be clear that Sendar believes Selenay can handle the responsibility.:

:True…: That would be all to the good.

:And if you point out it was her idea, it gives her more validity in her own right.:

:Also true.: He was glad that Sendar was seeing to it that Selenay was brought along as the Heir-in-fact as well as the Heir-in-name, but it meant a lot of work. Still, better a lot of work now than trying to bring her up to the job later, in a crisis. Because kings, even the kings of Valdemar, were mortal, and no matter what the circumstances, King Sendar’s death would precipitate a crisis.

“Now, is there any sign of a repercussion down there along the Karse Border from this incident?” Sendar asked, and Talamir gladly turned the subject to the simpler one of espionage reports and troop movements. Well, relatively simpler.