CHAPTER XI
Early Morning at Benden Weyr
I WISH youd give me fair warning the next time you rearrange the social and political structure of this planet, Fnor told his half-brother when he strode into the queens weyr at Benden the next morning. There wasnt, of course, a trace of resentment on his tanned, grinning face. Whos where now?
Tbor is Weyrleader at the High Reaches with Kylara as Weyrwoman …
Kylara at High Reaches? Fnor looked dubious but Flar waved aside his half-born protest.
Yes, there are disadvantages to that, of course. All but fourteen of the folk at High Reaches Weyr went with Tkul and Merika. Most of the Fort Weyr people wanted to stay …
Fnor chuckled nastily. Bet that was hard for Mardra to swallow. He looked expectantly at Lessa, knowing how often his Weyrwoman had mastered resentment and indignation at Mardras hands. Lessa returned his gaze with polite unconcern.
So Pzar is acting Weyrleader until a queen rises …
Any chance of making that an open flight for any bronze?
That is my intention, Flar replied. However, I think the biggest of the modern bronzes had better be conspicuous by their absence.
Then why have you assigned Nton there as Wingsecond? demanded Lessa in surprise.
Flar grinned at his Weyrmate. Because by the time a Fort queen rises in flight, Nton will be known and well-liked by the Fort Weyrfolk and they wont mind. Hell be considered a Fort rider, not a Benden replacement.
Lessa wrinkled her nose. He doesnt have much choice at Fort Weyr.
He is quite capable of taking care of himself, Flar replied with a wicked grin.
Well, you seem to have arranged everything to your satisfaction, Fnor remarked. I, however, resent having been yanked out of Southern. Id spotted a very promising clutch of fire-lizard eggs in a certain Southern cove. Not quite hard enough to move with impunity. If you had held off a few more days, Id He broke off, sliding into the chair Lessa motioned him to. Say, Flar, whats the matter with you? You been time betweening or something?
No, hes been knifed between his top and bottom, Lessa answered with a sour glance at her Weyrmate. And it is with exceptional difficulty that I can keep him in a chair. He belongs in a bed.
Flar waved her recriminations aside good-humoredly.
If youre Fnor half-rose, his face concerned.
If youre mocked Flar, his look indicating a growing irritation with his disability and their protectiveness.
Fnor laughed, reseating himself. And Brekke said I was a cantankerous patient. Ha! How bad is it? I heard various tales about that duel, well embroidered already, but not that youd been clipped. Must it always be belt knives for our Blood? And the other man armed with a wherry-skewer?
And dressed in wher-hide, Lessa added.
Look, Flar, Brekke has pronounced me fit to fly between, and Fnor flexed his arm, fully but carefully. I can appreciate your wanting to keep quiet about your injury, so Ill do all your popping about.
Flar chuckled at his half-brothers eagerness. Back a-neck and ready to go, huh? Well, resume your responsibilities then. Theyve changed.
Noticeably, o exalted one.
Flar frowned at that and brushed his forelock back irritably.
Not that much. Did you see Tkul when he arrived from High Reaches at Southern?
No, nor did I want to. I heard him. Fnors right hand clenched. The fighting wings had already gone to join you at Igen for the Threadfall. Tkul ordered everyone, including the wounded, out of Southern in an hours time. What they couldnt pack and take, he confiscated. He made it clear that the southern continent was his to have and hold. That his Sweepriders were challenging any dragon and would flame them down like Thread if they didnt get the proper response. Some of those Oldtimer dragons are stupid enough to do it, too. Fnor paused. You know, Ive been noticing lately …
Did the Fort Weyr people arrive?
Yes, and Brekke checked Tron to be sure hed survived the trip. Fnor scowled.
Hell live?
Yes, but …
Good. Now, I rather suspected that Tkul would react in that fashion To be sure weve all of Igen, Ista and Southern Boll as breeding ground for fire lizards, but I want you to get Manora to rig you something for those other lizard eggs you found and bring them back here. We need every one we can find. Wheres your little queen? They go back to their first feeding place, you know …