From one look you can tell so much, Oterel? Merons malicious drawl from the shadows distracted everyone.
Lessa moved pointedly aside as he strolled forward, stroking his bronze lizard possessively. It affronted Lessa that the little creature was humming with pleasure.
It will take many observations, by many eyes, Fandarel said in his bass rumble, before we will be able to say what the Red Star looks like with any certitude. One point of similarity is not enough. Not at all.
Oh, indeed. Indeed. Wansor seconded his Craftmaster, his eyes glued to the piece as he slowly swung it across the night sky.
Whats taking you so long? Nessel of Crom demanded irritably. Theres the Star. We can all see it with our naked eyes.
And it is so easy to pick out the green pebble you drop on the sands of Igen at high noon? asked Robinton.
Ah. Ive got it, Wansor cried. Nessel jumped forward, reaching for the tube. He jerked his hand back, remembering what an unwise movement could do. With both hands conspicuously behind him, he looked again at the Red Star.
Nessel, however, did not remain long at the distance-viewer. When Oterel stepped forward, the Masterharper moved quicker.
My turn now, I believe, since all the Lord Holders have had one sighting.
Only fair, Sangel said loudly, glaring at Oterel.
Lessa watched the Masterharper closely, saw the tightening of his broad shoulders as he, too, felt the impact of that first sight of their ancient enemy. He did not remain long, or perhaps she was deceived, but he straightened slowly from the eyepiece and looked thoughtfully toward the Red Star in the dark heavens above them.
Well, Harper? asked Meron superciliously. Youve a glib word for every occasion.
Robinton regarded the Nabolese for a longer moment than he had the Star.
I think it wiser that we keep this distance between us.
Ha! I thought as much. Meron was grinning with odious triumph.
I wasnt aware you thought, Robinton remarked quietly.
What do you mean, Meron? Lessa asked in a dangerously edged voice, you thought as much?
Why, it should be obvious, and the Lord of Nabol had not tempered his attitude toward her much since his first insult.
The Harper does as Benden Weyr decrees. And since Benden Weyr does not care to exterminate Thread at source …
And how do you know that? Lessa demanded coldly.
And, Lord Nabol, on what grounds do you base your allegation that the Harper of Pern does as Benden Weyr decrees? For I most urgently suggest that you either prove such an accusation instantly or retract it. Robintons hand was on his belt knife.
The bronze lizard on Merons arm began to hiss and extend his fragile wings in alarm. The Lord of Nabol contented himself with a knowing smirk as he made a show of soothing his lizard.
Speak up, Meron, Oterel demanded.
But its so obvious. Surely you can all see that, Meron replied with malicious affability and a feigned surprise at the obtuseness of the others. He has a hopeless passion for the Benden Weyrwoman.
For a moment Lessa could only stare at the man in a stunned daze. It was true that she admired and respected Robinton. She was fond of him, she supposed. Always glad to see him and never bothering to disguise it but Meron was mad. Trying to undermine the countrys faith in dragonmen with absurd, vicious rumors. First Kylara and now … And yet Kylaras weakness, her promiscuity, the general attitude of the Hold and Craft toward the customs of the Weyrs made his accusation so plausible …
Robintons hearty guffaw startled her. And wiped the smile from Nabols face.
Bendens Weyrwoman has not half the attraction for me that Bendens wine has!
There was such intense relief in the faces around her that Lessa knew, in a sinking, sick way, that the Lord Holders had been halfway to believing Merons invidious accusation. If Robinton had not responded just as he had, if she had started to protest the accusation … She grinned, too, managed to chuckle because the Masterharpers fondness for wine, for the Benden wines in particular, was such common knowledge, it was more plausible than Merons slander. Ridicule was a better defense than truth.