A Pervod pushed forward. Jarl recognized him as one of Tas Karrel's chief lieutenants.
The creature's chill reptilian eyes flicked from Jarl to Sais, then on to the Earthman guard who had followed them in. "What brings these two here? Where did they come from?"
"How should I know?" the Earthman shrugged. "They say they want Karrel—and I know he wants them."
"Yes. They find it easier to come than to leave us." The Pervod laughed harshly and swung back to Jarl. "You, Corvett! We know you! What do you want here?"
Bleakly, Jarl met the reptilian's glare. Feet wide apart, hands on hips, he stood straight and steady, surveying the crewmen who crowded around him.
"I want you!" he slashed harshly.
"Me—?" He could see the lean Pervod stiffen.
Jarl let his voice ring. "Yes, you—and all of these others. The Knife, too...."
He grinned as he said it, and looked from one hard-bitten face to another—measuring each raider, timing his pause to their grim, deadly potential. He knew them so well, these outlaw crewmen. Chonya and Malya; Pervod and Earthman; dau, fala, Fantay—they were one with him. When his eyes met theirs, it was almost as if he could see their restless minds working.