Pondering the elements of efficiency, he countered, keeping his voice light. But he couldnt keep from asking after Brekke and he felt Lessas fingers tremble in his.
She does as well as can be expected. Fnor insisted that we bring her to his weyr. The mans emotionally attached to her far more than gratitude for any nursing. Between him, Manora and Mirrim, she is never alone.
And Kylara?
Lessa pulled her hand from his. She lives!
Robinton said nothing and, after a moment, Lessa went on.
We dont like losing Brekke as a Weyrwoman She paused and added, her voice a little harsher, And since it is now obvious that a person can Impress more than once, and more than one Dragonkind, Brekke will be presented as a candidate when the Benden eggs Hatch. Which should be soon.
I perceive, Robinton said, cautiously choosing his words that not everyone favors this departure from custom.
Although he couldnt see her face in the darkness, he felt her eyes on him.
This time its not the Oldtimers. I suppose theyre so sure she cant re-Impress, theyre indifferent.
Who then?
Fnor and Manora oppose it violently.
And Brekke?
Lessa gave an impatient snort. Brekke says nothing. She will not even open her eyes. She cant be sleeping all the time. The lizards and the dragons tell us shes awake. You see, and Lessas exasperation showed through her tight control for she was more worried about Brekke than shed admit even to herself, Brekke can hear any dragon. Like me. Shes the only other Weyrwoman who can. And all the dragons listen to her. Lessa moved restlessly and Robinton could see her slender white hands rubbing against her thighs in unconscious agitation.
Surely thats an advantage if shes suicidal?
Brekke is not not actively suicidal. Shes craftbred, you know, Lessa said in a flat, disapproving tone of voice.
No, I didnt know, Robinton murmured encouragingly after a pause. He was thinking that Lessa wouldnt ever contemplate suicide in a similar circumstance and wondered what Brekkes breeding had to do with a suicidal aptitude.
Thats her trouble. She cant actively seek death so she just lies there. I have this incredible urge, and Lessa bunched her fists, to beat or pinch or slap her anything to get some response from the girl. Its not the end of the world, after all. She can hear other dragons. Shes not bereft of all contact with Dragonkind, like Lytol.
She must have time to recover from the shock …
I know, I know, Lessa said irritably, but we dont have time. We cant get her to realize that its better to do things …
Lessa …
Dont you Lessa me too, Robinton. In the reflection of the glow lights, the Weyrwomans eyes gleamed angrily. Fnors as daft as a weyrling, Manoras beside herself with worry for them both, Mirrim spends more of her time weeping which upsets the trio of lizards shes got and that sets off all the babes and the weyrlings. And, on top of everything else, Flar …
Flar? Robinton had bent close to her so that no one else might hear her reply.
He is feverish. He ought never to have come to High Reaches with that open wound. You know what cold between does to wounds!
Id hoped hed be here tonight.
Lessas laugh was sour. I dosed his klah when he wasnt looking.
Robinton chuckled. And stuffed him with mosstea, Ill bet.
Packed the wound with it, too.
Hes a strong man, Lessa. Hell be all right.
Hed better be. If only Fnor and Lessa broke off. I sound like a wherry, dont I? She gave a sigh and smiled up at Robinton.
Not a bit, my dear Lessa, I assure you. However, its not as if Benden were inadequately represented, and he executed a little bow which, if she shrugged it off, at least made her laugh. in fact, he went on, Im a trifle relieved that Flar isnt here, railing at anything that keeps him from blotting out any Thread he happens to see in that contraption.
True enough. And Robinton caught the edge to her voice. Im not sure …