They were interrupted by Sis and Matthew entering with the coffee
service. Sis pulled up a chair opposite Cortin while Matthew served;
when he left, Sis asked, "What can't be how simple?"
Cortin recapped the conversation, seeing Sis' growing hope. "What do
you think?" she asked at last.
"The same thing I believe you do," the nun replied. "Either you or
King Mark should call the Emperor and request Ranger Medart's
assistance in determining our position in regard to the Empire."
"Mike?" Cortin asked.
"Agreed. Though His Majesty's not likely to either do it or be willing
for you to, despite--" He broke off, glancing at the Imperial, and
finished, "the regard he holds you in personally."
Cortin grimaced. "True; His Majesty's even more apprehensive about the
Empire than I am. That means it's up to me."