"Dear God! I thought the oath was extreme, but I didn't dream …" Cortin trailed off, staring at her 'na.
"Going to extremes is a Sandeman characteristic," Medart said drily. "As another example, he'll want the tattoo I mentioned on his face to show he's yours. Their custom entitles him to it—and if he does anything against their custom with other Sandemans around, it protects him from punishment or dishonor, because they'll see it as doing your will."
And, Cortin thought, if their negotiations took the Kingdom Systems into the Empire, there would definitely be other Sandemans around. She turned to Keith. "Do you want that?"
"Yes, Thakur, very much."
"It's your face; is there any particular mark you'd prefer?"
Keith thought for a moment. "Since you're an Inquisitor, a question mark like the one on your badge might be appropriate."
"It would, yes—and since I'm High King's Inquisitor, there should be a crown on top." She cocked her head. "I don't know much about the local tattoo artists, but I'm sure someone here does; if you're as eager as you look, I can find out who's best and have him brought here to do the job."
"I am eager, Thakur, but not enough for you to go to extra trouble."
Cortin grinned. "Sometimes I enjoy going to extra trouble for my people. Let's get up to the Family floor and see who knows about tattooing experts."
"Thank you, Thakur!"