Lucius frowned, sent Odeon a thought. *She is still unaware of her true status?*
*Yes. Jeshua said she'd be happier not knowing, and I agree.*
*Happier, perhaps, but what makes you think she will be able to remain ignorant, now that she is being hailed and worshipped as Protector? Although it is small as yet in her case, that worship does generate energy, and it is focused on her; she will soon begin to feel and manipulate it, whether she recognizes it or not. I suppose trying to protect her as you are doing is praiseworthy, but I question both its wisdom and its fairness.*
*Umm. I don't like it, but you may have a point.*
*I do indeed. Will you tell her, or shall I?*
*I'll do it, since you don't seem to be leaving me much of a choice.* Odeon looked around at the Family, then concentrated on its head. "Joanie … I've just been told I've—we've all—been doing you a disservice, thinking it was a favor."
Cortin frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"Michael—" Chang said cautioningly.
"If I don't tell her, he will." Odeon sighed, rubbed the back of his neck. "And there's no way to break it easy—"
"I am the Protector, then," Cortin said flatly. "When that man called me that yesterday, I had the oddest feeling … tried to tell myself it was only because he believed it, but …"