His tension somewhat relieved, he raised himself from the boat and hovered over the dock.
Sternly, he looked at the villagers who were now on their feet, brushing water from their heads and faces. They ceased their movements, eying
him apprehensively and he motioned imperiously toward the boat.
“Secure it!”
The jewels of his control cap glowed briefly, amplifying and radiating the thought.
The villagers winced, then two of them moved to obey the command. Barra turned his attention away and arrowed toward the screen of trees which partially concealed the village proper.
As he dropped to the ground in the clearing before the headman’s hut, men and women looked at him, then edged toward their homes. He ignored them, centering his attention on the headman himself.
The man had gotten to his feet and was anxiously studying his master’s face.
For a few seconds, Barra examined the man. He was old. He had been headman of the village under the old Master Protector, his father—and his brother had seen no reason for change, allowing the aging headman to remain in charge of the welfare of his people.
But this was in the long ago. Both of the older Kio Barra had been soft, slack men, seeking no more than average results. He, Leuwan, was different—more exacting—more demanding of positive returns from the Estates.