Barry was helping Xintel in the fields beyond the house, harvesting thick, meaty leaves that were a staple article of diet. A score of Venusians were engaged in the same task nearby.
Something prompted Barry to look up just in time to see Komso and a large Chosen One called Czerki hanging in the water some distance away. They looked aside a bit too ostentatiously as they noticed the Earthman's eyes upon them.
A frown crossed Xintel's face as he nudged her.
"We avoid trouble if we can," she whispered.
But Czerki swam unhurriedly toward them and caught Xintel by the shoulder. The girl winced as the Chosen One swung her around.
"Give me that necklace," Czerki ordered.
Xintel's face was pale as he fumbled for the catch of the ornament but her arms remained limp at her sides. Raising a hand against a Chosen One was sacrilege punishable by death—and she had guessed what Komso intended.
Barry took a step forward.
"Get your hands off!" His voice was deceptively soft.
Czerki turned with a challenging sneer. "You oppose the will of the Chosen?"