Why didnt you tell me sooner?
At that, Lessa jammed both fists against her waist and awarded him one of her sternest looks. Because there have been a few other things to occupy my mind and time. This is not something we can discuss in open session, after all. Why, if even such loyal riders as …
What did Nton say? Does he fully understand what Im trying to do?
Lessa eyed her Weyrmate thoughtfully. Yes, he does, which is why I chose him to substitute for Fnor.
That seemed to relieve Flar, for he leaned back against the pillows with a deep sigh and closed his eyes. Hes a good choice. For more than Fort Weyrleadership. Hed carry on. Thats what we need the most, Lessa. Men who think, who can carry on. Thats what happened before. His eyes flew open, shadowed with a vague fear and a definite worry. What time is it at Fort Weyr now?
Lessa made a rapid calculation. Dawns about four hours away.
Oh. I want Nton here as soon as possible.
No wait a minute, Flar, hes a Fort rider …
Flar grabbed for her hand, pulling her down to him. Dont you see, he demanded, his voice hoarse, his urgency frightening, hes got to know. Know everything I plan. Then, if something happens …
Lessa stared at him, not comprehending. Then she was both furious with him for frightening her, irritated with his self-pity, and terrified that he might indeed be fatally ill.
Flar, get a grip on yourself, man, she said, half-angry, half-teasing; he felt so hot.
He flung himself back down on the bed, tossing his head from side to side.
This is what happened before. I know it. I dont care what he says, get Fnor here.
Lioth is coming and a green from Telgar, Mnementh announced.
Lessa took consolation from the fact that Mnementh didnt seem the least bit distressed by Flars ravings.
Flar gave a startled cry, glaring accusingly at Lessa.
Dont look at me. I didnt send for Nton. It isnt even dawn there yet.
The green is a messenger and the man he bears is very excited, Mnementh reported, and he sounded mildly curious.
Ramoth, who had taken herself to the Hatching Ground after Lessa awakened, rumbled a challenge to bronze Lioth. Nton came striding down the passageway, accompanied by Wansor, certainly the last person Lessa expected to see. The rotund little mans face was flushed with excitement, his eyes sparkling despite red rims and bloodshot whites.
Oh, Weyrlady, this is the most exciting news imaginable. Really exciting! Wansor babbled, shaking the large leaf under her nose. She had an impression of circles. Then Wansor saw Flar. All the excitement drained out of his face as he realized that the Weyrleader was a very sick man. Sir, I had no idea I wouldnt have presumed …
Nonsense, man, Flar said irritably. What brings you? What have you there? Let me see. Youve found a coordinate for the dragons?
Wansor seemed so uncertain about proceeding that Lessa took charge, guiding the man to the bed.
Whats this leaf mean? Ah, this is Pern, and that is the Red Star, but what are these other circles youre marked?
Im not certain I know, my lady, but I discovered them while scanning the heavens last night or this morning. The Red Star is not the only globe above us. There is this one, too, which became visible toward morning, didnt it, Nton?
The young bronze rider nodded solemnly but there was a gleam of amusement in his blue eyes for the glassmans manner of exposition. And very faintly, but still visible as a sphere, is this third heavenly neighbor, to our northeast, low on the horizon. Then, directly south it was Ntons notion to look all around we found this larger globe with the most unusual cluster of objects moving with visible speed about it. Why, the skies around Pern are crowded! Wansors dismay was so ludicrous that Lessa had to stifle her giggle.
Flar took the leaf from the glassman and began to study it while Lessa pushed Wansor onto the stool by the sick man.