As the bow loomed almost over the floating logs, Barra abruptly transferred his focus of attention to his right rear, pulling with all the power of the boat's drive crystals. The craft swung violently, throwing a solid sheet of water over pier and shore, drenching the logs and the men about them. Then the bow settled and the boat lay dead in the water, less than an inch from the pier's fender logs. Barra studied the space between boat and logs for an instant, then nodded in satisfaction. It was an adequate landing by anyone's standards. 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. Oh, to be sure, Kira Barra had somehow prospered under the soft hands of his predecessors, despite their coddling of the subhuman pseudomen, but there had been many laxities which had infuriated Leuwan, even when he was a mere youth. He frowned thoughtfully. Of course, if those two hadn't been so soft and tolerant, he would have been something other than Lord of the Mountain Lake. He would have had to find other activities elsewhere. He dropped the line of thought. This was not taking care of the situation. He put his full attention on the man before him, driving a demand with full power of cap amplifier. * * * * * "Why are all your people idling away their time? Where are your herdsmen and guards?" The headman's face tensed with effort. He waved a hand southward and made meaningless noises. Faintly, the thought came through to Barra. "In south forest, with herd. Not idle, is rest day. Few work."