"Who is Komso?" he asked.
Xintel spat a few sibilant words that were evident obscenities.
"He is Leader of the Chosen Ones, and he fears you. If the people learn you come from the Above they will grow dissatisfied, for there are some who still remember the ancient promises that we may return."
Barry was silent and thoughtful, considering the implications of the things Xintel had said. The girl watched the Earthman with a calculating look.
"You will help me?" she asked at length.
"Help you?"
"Perhaps together we can succeed where my father failed. Perhaps together we can overthrow Komso and break the hold of the Chosen upon Tana."
Barry thought of the open sea and the savage norus he had battled, and he had gathered the impression that Komso was some sort of priest or witchdoctor who would be an adversary without mercy. All he wanted was peace. But peace, Komso's face had told him, was something he could not have.
"Yes," he said flatly. He had no choice.
The girl laid her hand on his arm, confident and suddenly affectionate.