She turned her head slightly. "Naito-san?"
"Yes. Of course I don't believe any of his double-talk—but if I did, I would be his enemy. He saw that."
"Why would you be his enemy?"
"Because he is a tyrant."
"Naito-san? A tyrant? That is a bad ruler, is it not—a tyrant? Naito-san is not like this."
"But he is. Every tyrant that ever lived began with the hope of controlling mankind for its own good. For what he decided was its own good."
"I don't know," said Yuki. "I don't understand all you say."
"How long have you been with Naito?"
"Since I was a child. He took me when my parents died. He has been like a father. He says I must learn, always learn more. He says my life is important."
Blair moved forward suddenly. He took the girl's slim shoulder, and turned her toward him. He stood there, in the middle of the steep trail, with the tall grasses and embroidered shadows beside it, held her thus, and looked down into her young, golden face.