Cortes becomes a faithful companion (6)

I believe the answer is:

escort

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a faithful companion' is the definition.
'escort' can be an answer for 'companion' (escort is a kind of companion). I'm not certain of the 'a faithful' bit.

'cortes becomes' is the wordplay.
'becomes' is an anagram indicator.
'cortes' is an anagram of 'ESCORT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for escort that I've seen before include "One who accompanies, for protection or as an honour" , "17 [DESTROYER]" , "Social companion or military guard" , "attendance" , "Companion, perhaps for protection" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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