"Perhaps her father, Soren Who Died Accursed, was a—"
"Have they found—?"
"Will the demons—?"
A shuddering uneasiness spread insidiously among the people, and their attitude changed. Venusian men watched the Earthman with hostile speculation in their eyes and hands close to weapon hilts. Women moved aside as he approached, dragging their children with them.
Although not a single individual mentioned demons to Barry's face he knew he was somehow concerned.
"Just what are these demons?" he demanded of Xintel.
He expected her to refer to some superstition, but she surprised him with a definite answer.
"They were the last of my race to live in the Above—not devil-spirits or supernatural beings at all. But they were outlaws and killers, and so were not permitted to pass through the Place Of Change. Over this there was great bitterness, and the Last Days were filled with hatred and slaughter that is still remembered. But they are all long since dead."
"You mean your people came here from the Above deliberately?" Barry asked incredulously. "Why?"
Xintel nodded. "We—my forefathers—were to have come to the Here for a short time only, for sanctuary. But our way back was closed when the Place Of Change was destroyed. And the Chosen, gaining power, saw that misfortune overtook those who knew the secret of the Place."