To use actions on Guild cards, you must be in first or second place for a declared ambition. (That is, you'd gain Power if it scored now.)
When Secured: Search the Court deck and discard pile to take any 1 Guild card. If you searched the deck, shuffle it.
Act: 1
A: Yes. The clarification text in italics is generally true but misleading in this specific case.
A: No, just Prelude actions and New actions.