Yes, but Tron was in the wrong!
Would we have been more right to make him say it?
Tbor bit back an angry response and Flar hoped that the mans rebellion was dissipating. There was good heart and mind in the Southern Weyrleader. He was a fine dragonrider, a superb fighter, and his Wings followed him without hesitation. He was not as strong out of the skies, however, but with subtle guidance had built Southern Weyr into a productive, self-supporting establishment. He instinctively looked to Flar and Benden Weyr for direction and companionship. Part of that, Flar was sure, was because of the difficult and disturbing temperament of the Southern Weyrwoman, Kylara.
Sometimes Flar regretted that Tbor proved to be the only bronze rider who could cope with that female. He wondered what subtle deep tie existed between the two riders, because Tbors Orth consistently outflew every bronze to mate with Prideth, Kylaras queen, though it was common knowledge that Kylara took many men to her bed.
Tbor might be short-tempered and not the most diplomatic adherent, but he was loyal and Flar was grateful to him. If hed only held his temper tonight …
Well, you usually know what youre doing, Flar, the Southern Weyrleader admitted reluctantly, but I dont understand the Oldtimers and lately Im not sure I care.
Mnementh hovered by the ledge, one leg extended. Beyond him, the two men could hear Orths wings beating the night air as he held his position.
Tell Fnor to take it easy and get well. I know hes in good hands down at Southern, Flar said as he scrambled up Mnemenths shoulder and urged him out of Orths way.
Well have him well in next to no time. You need him, replied Tbor.
Yes, thought Flar as Mnementh soared up out of the Fort Weyr Bowl, I need him. I could have used his wits beside me tonight. I could have used his thinking on Trons invidious attempts to switch blame.
Well, if it had been another rider, wounded under the same circumstances, he couldnt have brought Fnor anyhow. And Tbor with his short temper would still have been present, and played right into Trons hands. He couldnt honestly blame Tbor. Hed felt the same burning desire to make the Oldtimers see the facts in realistic perspective. But you cant take a dragon to a place youve never seen. And Tbors outbursts had not helped. Strange, Tbor hadnt been so touchy as a weyrling nor when he was a Benden Weyr Wingsecond. Being Weyrmate to Kylara had changed him but that woman was enough to unsettle; to unsettle Dram.
Flar entertained the wild mental image of the blonde sensual Kylara seducing the sturdy Oldtimer. Not that shed even glanced at the Istan Weyrleader. And she certainly wouldnt have stayed with him. Flar was glad that theyd eased her out of Benden Weyr. Hadnt she been found on the same Search as Lessa? Whered she come from? Oh, yes, Telgar Hold. Come to think of it, she was the present Lords full-blooded sister. Just as well Kylara was in Weyrlife. With her proclivity, shed have had her throat sliced long ago in a Hold or a Crafthall.
Mnementh transferred them between and the cold of that awful nothingness made his bones ache. Then they emerged over the Benden Weyr Star Stones and answered the watchriders query.
Lessa wasnt going to like his report of the meeting, Flar thought. If only Dram, usually an honest thinker, had seen past the obvious. He had a feeling that maybe Gnarish had.
Yes, Gnarish had been troubled. Maybe the next time the Weyrleaders met to confer, Gnarish might side with the modern riders.
Only, Flar hoped, there wouldnt be another occasion for this evenings grievance.