Florin smiled. "I do not feel that I have been betrayed. I know that the corporation-men, representing the most intelligent element of Lyrane, wouldn't do this thing without a sound reason."
Erol said, "Apparently you wish to throw in your lot with us, rather than the mob."
"My loyalty to my teacher and his associates compels me to do so. It is also my personal desire."
"You won't get any luxury pay for that loyalty," Yma snapped.
"That's unfair. You know Tomlin always advocated proper living from a moral obligation rather than for mercenary reward."
Their conversation was interrupted by a faint humming. Out over the valley three gyros were approaching at a low altitude.
Bitterly, Yma said, "Apparently Tomlin's servant has talked to other people—or perhaps Mr. Brite here—."
Florin shrugged again. "I have no defense except to say that I talked to no one. Either you believe me or you don't."
Erol chimed in, "You'll have to excuse my daughter; she's upset. I expected them to discover me long before this. This abandoned hunting lodge was too well known."
Yma's mind jumped on that. Yes, she thought, How well it is known—to me. My childhood is stuffed full of memories of this place, all pleasant. I know the woods around here better than the streets of the city. Now it will be the scene of this furtive hiding, suspense, and God knows what new violence.