Your rider was the aggressor, Tron, Dram said in a stern voice. He was a rangy man, getting stringy with age, but his astonishing shock of red hair was only lightly grizzled at the temples. Flars within his rights.
You had the choice of time and place, Tron, Flar pointed out, all deference.
Trons scowl deepened.
Wish Telgard get here, he said in a low, irritated tone.
Have some wine, Flar? Tbor suggested, an almost malicious smile playing on his lips for Tron ought to have offered immediately. Of course, its not Benden Hold wine, but not bad. Not bad.
Flar gave Tbor a long warning look as he took the proffered cup. But the Southern Weyrleader was watching to see how Tron reacted. Benden Hold did not tithe of its famous wines as generously to the other Weyrs as it did to the one which protected its lands.
When are we going to taste some of those Southern Weyr wines youve been bragging about, Tbor? Gnarish asked, instinctively trying to ease the growing tensions.
Of course, were entering our fall season now, Tbor said making it seem that Fort was to blame for the chill outside and inside the Weyr. However, we expect to start pressing soon. Well distribute what we can spare to you northerners.
What do you mean? What you can spare? Tron asked, staring hard at Tbor.
Well, Southern plays nurse to every wounded dragonrider. We need sufficient on hand to drown their sorrows adequately. Southern Weyr supports itself, you must remember.
Flar stepped on Tbors booted foot as he turned to Dram and inquired of the Istan Weyrleader how the last Laying had gone.
Very well, thanks, Dram replied pleasantly, but Flar knew the older man did not like the mood that was developing. Fannas Mirath laid twenty-five and Ill warrant weve half a dozen bronzes in the clutch.
Istas bronzes are the fastest on Pern, Flar said gravely. When he heard Tbor stirring restlessly beside him, he reached swiftly to Mnementh with a silent Ask Orth to please tell Tbor to speak with great thought for the consequences. Dram and Gnarish must not be antagonized. Out loud he said, A weyr can never have too many good bronzes. If only to keep the queens happy. He leaned back, watching Tbor out of the corner of his eye to catch is reaction when the dragons completed the message relay. Tbor gave a sudden slight jerk, then shrugged, his glance shifting from Dram to Tron and back to Flar. He looked more rebellious than cooperative. Flar turned back to Dram. If you need some
likely prospects for any green dragons, theres a boy …
Dram follows tradition, Benden, Tron cut in. Weyrbred is best for Dragonkind. Particularly for greens.
Oh? Tbor glared with malicious intent at Tron.
Dram cleared his throat hastily and said in a too loud voice, As it happens, weve a good group of likely boys in our Bower Caverns. The last Impression at Gnarishs Weyr left him with a few he has offered to place at Ista Weyr. So I thank you kindly, Flar. Generous indeed when youve eggs hardening at Benden too. And a queen, I hear?
Dram exhibited no trace of envy for another queen egg at Benden Weyr. And Fannas Mirath hadnt produced a single golden egg since shed come time between.
We all know Bendens generosity, Tron said in a sneering tone, his eyes flicking around the room, everywhere but at Flar. He extends help everywhere. And interferes when it isnt needed.
I dont call what happened at the Smithhall interference, Dram said, his face assuming grave lines.
I thought we were going to wait for Tkul and Rmart, Gnarish said, glancing anxiously up the passageway.
So, Flar mused, Dram and Gnarish are upset by todays events.
Tkuls better known for the meetings he misses than the ones he attends, Tbor remarked.
Rmart always comes, Gnarish said.
Well, theyre neither of them here. And Im not waiting on their pleasure any longer, Tron announced, rising.
Then youd better call in Bnaj and Treb, Dram suggested with a heavy sigh.
Theyre in no condition to attend a meeting. Tron seemed surprised at Drams request. Their dragons only returned from flight at sunset.