Dragon Quest

by Anne McCaffrey

  Prideth's eyes were completely lidded now, and her breath came and went with a faint whistle. Kylara glanced at the bulging belly. She'd sleep a long time with that much to content her.

  "I ought not to have let her gorge so," Kylara murmured, but there had been something so gratifying in the way Prideth tore into her meat; as if all indignities and affronts and discourtesy had leaked out of Kylara as blood from the slaughtered animals had seeped into the pasture grass.

  Her arm began to hurt again. She'd removed the wher-hide tunic to groom Prideth, and sand and dust coated the new scabs. Suddenly Kylara felt filthy, disgustingly filthy with sand and dust and sweat. She was aware of fatigue, too. She'd bathe and eat, have Rannelly rub her well with sweet oil and cleansing sand. First, she'd get some numbweed from little nurse-goody Brekke.

  She came past the side window of Brekke's weyrhold and heard the murmur of a man's voice and the low delighted laughing response from Brekke. Kylara halted, astonished by the rippling quality of the girl's voice. She peered in, unobserved, because Brekke had eyes only for the dark head bent toward her.

  F'nor! And Brekke?

  The brown rider raised his hand slowly, stroked back a wayward strand of hair from Brekke's cheek with such loving tenderness that there was no doubt in Kylara's mind that they had only recently been lovers.

  Kylara's half-forgotten anger burst into cold heat. Brekke and F'nor! When F'nor had repeatedly turned aside her favors? Brekke and F'nor indeed!

  Because Kylara moved on, Canth did not tell his rider.

  Chapter 10

  Robinton, Masterharper of Pern, adjusted his tunic, the rich green pile of the fabric pleasing to the touch as well as the eye. He turned sideways, to check the fit of the tunic across his shoulders. Masterweaver Zurg had compensated for his tendency to slouch, so the hem did not hike up. The gilded belt and the knife were just the proper dress accoutrements.

  Robinton grimaced at his reflection. "Belt knives!" He smoothed his hair behind his ears, then stepped back to check the pants. Mastertanner Belesdan had surpassed himself. The fellis dye had turned the soft wher-hide into a deep green the same shade as the tunic. The boots were a shade darker. They fit snug to his calf and foot.

  Green! Robinton grinned to himself. Neither Zurg nor Belesdan had been in favor of that shade, though it was easily obtainable. About time we shed another ridiculous superstition, Robinton thought.

  He glanced out of his window, checking the sun's position. It was above the Fort range now. That meant mid-afternoon at Telgar Hold and the guests would be gathering. He'd been promised transport. T'ron of Fort Weyr had grudgingly acceded to that request, though it was a tradition of long standing that the Harper could request aid from any Weyr.

  A dragon appeared in the northwest sky.

  Robinton grabbed up his overcloak, the dress tunic would never keep out the full cold of between, his gloves and felted case that contained the best gitar. He'd hesitated about bringing it. Chad had a fine instrument at Telgar Hold, but fine wood and gut would not be chilled by those cold seconds of between as mere flesh would.

  When he passed the window, he noticed a second dragon winging down, and was mildly surprised.

  By the time he reached the small court of the HarperCrafthall, he gave a snort of amusement. A third dragon had appeared from due east.

  Never around when you want 'em, though. Robinton sighed, for it seemed the problems of the day had already begun, instead of waiting dutifully for him (as what trouble does?) at Telgar Hold, where he'd expected it.

  Green, blue, and ah-ha, bronze dragon wings in the early morning sun.

  "Sebell, Talmor, Brudegan, Tagetarl, into your fine rags. Hurry or I'll skin you and use your lazy innards for strings," Robinton called in a voice that projected into every room facing the Court.

  Two heads popped out of an upper window of the apprentice barracks, two more at the journeyman's Hold.

  "Aye, sir." "Coming, sir." "In a moment!"

  Yes, with four harpers of his own, and the three at Telgar Hold, Sebell played the best bass line, not to mention Chad the Telgar Harper improvising in the treble, they'd have a grand loud group. Robinton tossed his overcloak to his shoulder, forgetting that the pile of the green tunic might crush, and grinned sardonically at the wheeling dragons. He half-expected them all to wink out again at the discovery of this multiplicity.

  He should pick the Telgar Weyr blue on the grounds that he appeared first. However, the green dragon came from Fort Weyr, to whom his Craft was weyrbound. Yet Benden Weyr did the honor of sending a bronze. Perhaps I should take the first to land, though they're all taking their time about it, he thought.

  He stepped out of the Court quadrangle to the fields beyond, since it was obvious that's where the beasts were landing.

  The bronze landed last, which cancelled that method of impartial choice. The three riders met mid-field, some few dragonlengths from the disputed passenger. Each man began arguing his claim at once. When the bronze rider became the target of the other two, Robinton felt obliged to intervene.

  "He's weyrbound to Fort Weyr. We have the right," said the green rider indignantly.

  "He's guest of Telgar Hold. Lord Holder Larad himself requested ..."

  The bronze rider (Robinton recognized him as N'ton, one of the first non-weyrbred to Impress a dragon at Benden Weyr Turns ago) appeared neither angry nor disconcerted.

  "The good Masterharper will know the right of it," and N'ton bowed graciously to Robinton.

  The others gave him scarcely a glance but renewed their quarrel.

  "Why, there's no problem at all," Robinton said in the firm, decisive tone he rarely employed and which was never contradicted.

  The two wranglers fell silent and faced him, the one sullen, the other indignant.

  "Still, it does the Craft honor that you've to serve it," and Robinton accorded the two dissidents an ironic bow. "Fortunately, I have need of three beasts. I've four more harpers to transport to Telgar Hold to grace the happy occasion." He emphasized the adjective, noticing the glares that passed between blue and green riders. Young N'ton, though not weyrbred, had excellent manners.

  "I was told to take you," the Fort Weyr man said in a sour voice.

  "And took such joy of the assignment, it has made my morning merry," Robinton replied crisply. He saw the smug look on the blue rider's face. "And while I appreciate Weyrleader R'mart's thoughtfulness in spite of his recent, ah, problems at Telgar Hold, I shall ride the Benden Weyr dragon. For they do not grudge the Masterharper the prerogative."

  His craftsmen came racing out of the Hall, riding cloaks askew on their shoulders, fitting their instruments in felt wrappings as they came. Robinton gave each a cursory glance as they came to a ragged line in front of him, breathless, flushed and, thank the Shell, happy. He nodded toward Sebell's pants, indicated that Talmor should adjust his twisted belt, approved Brudegan's immaculate appearance, and murmured that Tagetarl was to smooth his wild hair.

  "We're ready, sirs," Robinton announced and, giving a curt bow of his head to the other riders, turned on his heel to follow N'ton.

  "I've half a mind, " the green rider began.

  "Obviously," Robinton cut in, his voice as cold as between and as menacing as Thread. "Brudegan, Tagetarl, ride with him. Sebell, Talmor, on the green."

  Robinton watched as Brudegan, with no expression on his face, gestured politely to the shorter, green rider to precede them. Of all men on Pern, harpers feared few. Any one deliberately antagonizing them for no cause found himself the butt of a satirical tune which would be played around the land.

  There were no further protests. And Robinton was rather pleased to notice that N'ton gave no indication that there'd been any display of ill nature.

  Robinton on N'ton's bronze arrived in the air, facing the cliff-palisade that was Telgar Hold. The swift river that had its source in the great striding eastern range of mountains had cut through the softer stone and made a deep incision that
gradually widened until a series of high palisades flanked the green, wide Telgar valley. Telgar Hold was situated in one such soaring palisade, at the apex of a slightly triangular section of the cliffs. It faced south, with sides east and west and its hundred or so windows, on five distinct levels, must make pleasant and well lit rooms. All had the heavy bronze shutters which marked Telgar Hold for a wealthy one.

  Today the three cliff faces of Telgar Hold were brilliant with the pennants of every minor Hold which had ever aligned its Blood with theirs. The Great Court was festooned with hundreds of flowering branches and giant fellis blooms, so that the air was heavy with mingled fragrances and appetizing kitchen odors. Guests must have been arriving for hours, to judge by the mass of long-legged runners among the pastured herdbeasts. Every room in old Telgar Hold ought to be filled this night and Robinton was glad that his rank gave him a sure place. A little crowded perhaps because he'd brought four more harpers. They might be superfluous; every Harper who could must have wangled his way in here today. Maybe it would be a happy occasion, after all.

  I'll concentrate on positive, happy thoughts, Robinton mused to himself, coining Fandarel's phrase. "You'll be staying on, N'ton?"

  The young man grinned back at the Harper, but there was a serious shadow in his eyes. "Lioth and I have a sweep to ride, Master Robinton," he said, leaning forward to slap his bronze affectionately on the neck. "But I did want to see Telgar Hold, so when Lord Asgenar asked me to oblige him by bringing you, I was glad of the chance."

  "I, too," Robinton said in farewell, as he slid down the dragon's shoulder. "My thanks to you, Lioth, for a smooth journey."

  "The Harper has only to ask."

  Startled, Robinton glanced up at N'ton, but the young man's head was turned toward a party of brightly garbed young women who were walking up from the pasture.

  Robinton looked at Lioth, whose opalescent eye gleamed at him an instant. Then the dragon spread his great wings. Hastily Robinton backed away, still not positive he'd heard the dragon. Yet there was no other explanation. Well, this day was certainly unfolding surprises!

  "Sir?" inquired Brudegan respectfully.

  "Ah, yes, lads." He grinned at them. Talmor had never flown and the boy was a bit glassy in the eye. "Brudegan, you know the hall. Take them to the Harper's room so they'll know their way. And take my instrument, too. I'll not need it until the banquet. Then, lads, you're to mingle, play, talk, listen. You know the ditties I've been rehearsing. Use them."

  "You've heard the drum messages. Utilize them. Brudegan, take Sebell with you, it's his first public performance. No, Sebell, you'd not be with us today if I'd no faith in your abilities. Talmor, watch that temper of yours. Tagetarl, wait until after the banquet to charm the girls. Remember, you'll be a full Harper too soon to jeopardize a good Holding. All of you, mind the distilled wines."

  He left them so advised and went up the busy ramp into the Great Court, smiling and bowing to those he knew among the many Holders, Craftsmen and ladies passing to and fro.

  Larad, Lord of Telgar Hold, resplendent in dark yellow, and the bridegroom Asgenar, Lord of Lemos, in a brilliant midnight blue, stood by the great metal doors to the Hold's Main Hall. The women of Telgar were in white with the exception of Larad's half-sister, Famira, the bride. Her blond hair streamed to the hem of her traditional wedding dress of graduated shades of red.

  Robinton stood for a moment to one side of the gate into the Court, slightly in the shadow of the right-hand tower, scanning the guests already making small groups around the decorated Courtyard. He spotted the Masterherdsman, Sograny, near the stable. The man oughtn't to look as if he smelled something distasteful. Probably not the vicinity, but his neighbors. Sograny disapproved of wasting time. Masterweaver Zurg and his nimble wife moved constantly from group to group. Robinton wondered if they were inspecting fabric and fit. Hard to tell, for Weaver Zurg and spouse nodded and beamed at everyone with good-natured impartiality.

  Masterminer Nigot was deep in talk with Mastertanner Belesden and the Masterfarmer Andemon, while their women formed a close conversation knot to one side. Lord Corman of Keroon was apparently lecturing the nine young men ringing him: sons, foster and blood undoubtedly, since most of them bore the old man's nosy signature. They must be recently arrived for, at a signal from him, the boys all smartly turned on their heels and followed their parent, right up to the steps. Lord Raid of Benden was talking to his host and, seeing Corman approach, bowed and stepped away. Lord Sifer of Bitra gestured for Lord Raid to join him and a group of minor Holders conversing near the watchtower steps. Of the other Lord Holders, Groghe of Fort, Sangel of Boll, Meron of Nabol, Nessel of Crom, Robinton saw nothing. Dragons trumpeted on high and a half wing of them began to spiral down to the wide field where Robinton had landed.

  Bronzes, blues, ah, and five golden queens, came to rest briefly. Discharging their passengers, most of them leaped skyward again, toward the fire ridges above the Hold.

  Robinton made his way hastily to his host then, before the newest arrivals swarmed up the ramp to the Great Court.

  There was a hearty cheerfulness about Lord Larad's greeting that masked a deep inner anxiety. His eyes, blue and candid, restlessly scanned the Court. The Lord of Telgar was a handsome man though there was scant resemblance between him and his only full sibling, Kylara. Evidently it was Kylara who had inherited their sire's appetites. Just as well.

  "Welcome, Master Harper, we all look forward to your entertaining songs," Lord Larad said, according the Harper a deep bow.

  "We shall play in tune with the times and the occasion, Lord Larad," Robinton replied, grinning broadly at such bluntness. They both heard the ripple of music as the young harpers began to move among the guests.

  The whoosh of great wings drew their eyes upward. The dragons flew across the sun, briefly shadowing the Court. All talk died for a moment, then renewed more loudly than before.

  Robinton moved on, greeting Lord Larad's first lady and true love, for he had no others besides her. The young Lord of Telgar, at least, was constant.

  "Lord Asgenar, my felicitations. Lady Famira, may I wish you all happiness, to have and to hold."

  The girl blushed prettily, glancing shyly at Lord Asgenar. Her eyes were as blue as her half-brother's. She had her hand on Asgenar's arm, having known him a long time. Larad and Asgenar had been fosterlings at the Hold of Lord Corman of Keroon, though Larad had been elected earlier to his dignities than Asgenar. There'd be no problem with this wedding, although it remained for the Conclave of Lord Holders to ratify it, since the progeny of this marriage might one day Hold either Telgar or Lemos. A man cast his seed widely if he was a Lord Holder. He had many sons in the hope that one male of his Blood would train up strong enough to be acceptable to the Conclave, when the question of Succession arose. Not that that ancient custom was as scrupulously observed as it had been. The wise Lord extended fosterage to the Blooded children of other Lords, to gain support in Conclave as well as to insure his own progeny being well-fostered.

  Robinton stepped quickly among the guests. To hear what he could, enter a conversation with an amusing story, climax another with a deft phrase. He helped himself to a handful of finger-sized meatrolls from the long tables set up near the kitchen entrance. He scooped up a mug of cider. They'd not sit to table until sunset. First the Lord Holders and the major Small Holders would have their Conclave. (He hoped that Chad had found a way for him to 'attend' that meeting for he'd a notion that the discussion wouldn't be limited to the Bloodlines of Telgar and Lemos Holds.)

  So he wandered, every perception tuned high, every nuance, shrug, laugh, gesture and frown weighed and measured. He observed the groupings, who shifted between the lines of region, craft and rank. When he realized he had seen nothing of the Mastersmith Fandarel or his Craft-second, Terry, or, indeed, any smithcrafters, he began to wonder. Had Fandarel's distance-writer been installed? He took a look down the side of the Hold and could see no posts as had been described to h
im. He chewed thoughtfully at a rough spot on his lower lip.

  Voices and laughter seemed to have a strident edge. From his detached vantage point, he surveyed the Great Court, now so full it appeared as a moving carpet of solid bodies, here and there a tight knot of bent heads. As if, as if everyone were determined to enjoy themselves, frantically grasping pleasure.

  Dragons trumpeted from the heights. Robinton grinned. They spoke in thirds, he noticed. Now, if a man could direct them, what an accompaniment to his Ballad.

  "Good Masterharper, have you seen F'lar or Fandarel?" Lytol had come up to him, the young Lord Jaxom at his elbow.

  "Not yet."

  Lytol frowned, suggested pointedly that Jaxom look for the young Bloods of Telgar Hold and drew Robinton further from the nearest guests.

  "How do you think the Lords will react to Lord Meron of Nabol?"

  "React to Meron?" Robinton snorted derisively. "By ignoring him, of course. Not that his opinion would influence the Conclave."

  "I don't mean that. I mean his possession of a fire lizard, " Lytol broke off as the Harper stared at him. "You didn't hear? The messenger went through Ruatha Hold yesterday, bound for Fort Hold and your Crafthall."

  "He missed me or, was he free with his news?"

  "To me, yes. I seem to attract confidences."

  "Fire lizard? What about them? I used to spend hours trying to catch one. Never did In fact I never heard of one being caught. How did Meron manage the trick?"

  Lytol grimaced, the tic beginning in his cheek. "They can be Impressed. There always was that nursery tale that fire lizards are the ancestors of dragons."

  "And Meron of Nabol Impressed one?"

  Lytol gave a mirthless laugh. "Unlikely, I grant you. The fire lizards exhibit a woeful lack of taste. But you can rest assured that Meron of Nabol would not waste time on fire lizards if they weren't of use to him."

  Robinton considered this and then shrugged. "I don't think you need be concerned. But how did Nabol get one? How can they be Impressed? I thought that was strictly a draconic trait."