She raised her head, "But you must know.
"When Komso put his Curse upon my father he could easily have killed me too. I was but a small girl then, and my mother already dead. But he had brought about the death of my father to display his power, and he wanted the people to remember. I was to be a living reminder.
"But, he told the people, I shared my father's guilt of blasphemy by being of his blood. Anyone mating with me would be contaminated, and upon him too would fall the curse of the Gods Of The Deeps.
"The men of Tana are not cowards despite what the Chosen have done to them. Some have faced and fought even the torvaks of the Outside. But to act contrary to what Komso has declared the will of the Gods—that they will not do. So although several have looked upon me with desire, none have dared take me as mate."
There was pity in Barry's heart as he thought of the deep loneliness to which Komso had condemned her from childhood on. More than pity, he thought now. What had started with him as a matter of survival had changed and deepened, become more than friendship.
"But I am not a man of Tana," he blurted impulsively. "And I love you."
Xintel lowered her eyes. "Barry, do you really like me—that way?"
"Yes."
"Then it is settled," she declared, and came into his arms. "See, it is simple."
Later, still holding her closely, he told her, "Xintel dearest, whatever lies ahead we shall face together."