For a moment there was confusion in the ranks, and those in front backed water.
"Come forth, Komso, and look upon me!" Barry called. "You are a trickster and a fraud, and your curses are without power!"
Komso's jaw went slack and his face grew crimson. The priest spoke softly to a Chosen One.
"Men," he declared. "Only a demon could survive the curse of the Gods Of The Deeps—but even a demon can die!"
Barry almost missed seeing the Chosen One raise his crossbow, but some instinct warned him just as the weapon twanged. He sidestepped and the missile whizzed by. It had been close. If they were to open upon him in volleys—
"Komso's curses are powerless but mine are not!" he declared loudly, concealing his nervousness. "You are forgiven this time, but the next man who raises a weapon against me will feel my wrath. He shall die screaming in slow agony!"
"Rush him! Kill him!" Komso ordered, attempting to rally his wavering ranks. But Barry's boast, and their belief that he was a demon, held them back.
Barry scanned the sea for the patch of light that would indicate Xintel approaching with the women of Tana. Nothing. Stalling was his only chance.
"Men of Tana," he began. "If you follow Komso you go to certain death. Already you have seen that his so-called curse means nothing. And now I shall tell you how—"
"Close your ears!" Komso shrieked. "Listen to this infidel and the curse of the Gods will be upon you too!"