I dont believe the Weyrs can remain autonomous these days, Flar said, discarding all the ringing, smooth words hed been rehearsing. We nearly lost Pern seven Turns ago because dragonmen lost touch with the rest of the world; weve seen what happens when dragonman loses touch with dragonman. We need open mating flights, the exchange of bronzes and queens between Weyrs to strengthen Blood and improve the breed. We need to rotate the wings so riders get to know each others Weyrs and territories. A man grows stale, careless, riding over ground he knows too well. We need public Impressions …
They could all hear the rumble of greetings and the scuffling of heavy boots in the corridor.
Ista Weyr followed Benden Weyr yesterday, Dram interrupted him, his slow smile reaching his dark eyes. But have a care which traditions you overset. Some cannot be discarded with impunity …
They rose then as Lord Holders and Craftmasters strode into the weyr. Lord Asgenar, Mastersmith Fandarel and his wood Craftmaster, Bendarek, were first; Lord Oterel of Tillek Hold and Meron, Lord Holder of Nabol, his fire lizard squawking on his arm, arrived together, but Lord Oterel immediately sought Fandarel. A restless, eager atmosphere began to build, palpable with questions unanswered the previous evening. As soon as most were assembled, Flar led the way into the Council Room. No sooner had the Weyrleaders arranged themselves behind him, facing the gathering of Lords and Craftsmen, than Larad, Lord of Telgar Hold, rose.
Weyrleader, have you established where the next Thread is likely to fall?
Where youve evidently placed it, Lord Larad, on the western plains of Telgar Hold and Ruatha Hold. Flar nodded toward Lord Warder Lytol of Ruatha. Probably later today. Its early hours now in that part of the country and we dont intend to hold you here long …
And how long will we have riders assigned us? asked Lord Corman of Keroon, staring pointedly at Dram on Flars left.
Until every Hold and Craft has an efficient communications system.
Ill need men, Mastersmith Fandarel rumbled from his cramped position in the far corner. Do you all really want those flame throwers youve been plaguing me for?
Not if the dragonmen come when we call. It was Lord Sangel of Boll Hold who answered, his face grim, his voice bitter.
Is Telgar Weyr prepared to ride today? Lord Larad went on, still holding the floor.
Mrek, the Telgar Weyr Wingsecond, rose, glanced hesitantly at Flar, cleared his throat and then nodded.
High Reaches Weyr will fly with Telgar riders! Tbor said.
And Istal Dram added.
The unexpected unanimity sent a murmurous ripple through the meeting, as Lord Larad sat down.
Will we have to burn the forests? Lord Asgenar of Lemos rose to his feet. The quiet question was the plea of a proud man.
Dragonriders burn Thread, not wood, Flar replied calmly but there was a ring in his voice. There are enough Dragonriders, and he gestured to the Weyrleaders on either side of him, to protect Perns forests …
Thats not whats needed most, Benden, and you know it, Lord Groghe of Fort shouted as he rose to his feet, his eyes bulging. I say, go after Thread on the Red Star itself. Enough times been wasted. You keep saying your dragonsll go anywhere, anywhen you tell em to.
A dragons got to know where hes going first, man, Gnarish, the Igen Leader, protested, jumping up excitedly.
Dont put me off, young man! You can see the Red Star, plain as my fist, and Lord Groghe thrust out his closed hand like a weapon, in that distance-viewer! Go to the source. Go to the source!
Dram was on his feet beside Gnarish now, adding his angry arguments to the confusion. A dragon roared so loudly that all were deafened for a moment.
If that is the desire of the Lords and Craftsmen, Flar said, then we shall mount an expedition to fly on the morrow. He knew Dram and Gnarish had turned to stare at him, dumbfounded. He saw Lord Groghe bristle suspiciously, but he had the attention of the entire room. He spoke quickly, clearly. Youve seen the Red Star, Lord Groghe? Could you describe the land masses to me? Would you estimate that we had to clear as large an area as, say, the northern continent? Dram, would you agree that it takes about thirty-six hours to fly straight across? More? Hmmm. Tip-to-tip sweeps would be most effective since we couldnt count on ground-crew support. That would mean dragonweights of firestone. Masterminer, Ill need to know exactly what supplies you have processed for use. Benden Weyr keeps about five dragonweights on hand at all times, the other Weyrs about the same, so wed probably need all youve got. And every flame thrower on the continent. Now, dragonmen, I admit we dont know if we can traverse such a distance without harm to ourselves and the dragons. I assume that since Thread survives on this planet, we can exist on that one. However …