Get a grip on yourself, man, Flar said, but it was his attitude which caused Andemon the most distress.
What what will dragonmen do?
Get rid of Thread, of course. Get rid of Thread.
Had Flar been a feather less confident, Fnor would have had trouble maintaining his composure. But his half-brother must have some plan in mind. And Lessa looked as serene as as Manora could.
Fortunately Andemon was not only an intelligent man, he was tenacious. He had been confronted with a series of disclosures that both confused and disturbed basic precepts. He must reverse a long-standing Craft practice. He must rid himself of an inborn, carefully instilled prejudice, and he must accept the eventual abdication of an authority which he had good reason to respect and more reason to wish to perpetuate.
He was determined to resolve these matters before he left the Weyr. He questioned Flar, Fnor, the Harper, Nton and Manora when he learned shed been involved in the project. Andemon examined all the tubs, particularly the one which had been left alone. He conquered his revulsion and even examined the grubs carefully, patiently uncoiling a large specimen as if it were a new species entirely. In a certain respect, it was.
Andemon was very thoughtful as he watched the unharmed larva burrow quickly back into the tub dirt from which hed extracted it.
One wishes fervently, he said, to find a release from our long domination by Thread. It is just just that the agency which frees us is …
Revolting? the Harper suggested obligingly.
Andemon regarded Robinton a moment. Aye, youre the man with words, Master Robinton. It is rather leveling to think that one will have to be grateful to such a such a lowly creature. Id rather be grateful to dragons. He gave Flar a rather abashed grin.
Youre not a Lord Holder! said Lessa, wryly, drawing a chuckle from everyone.
And yet, Andemon went on, letting a handful of soil dribble from his fist, we have taken the bounties of this rich earth too much for granted. We are from it, part of it, sustained by it. I suppose it is only mete that we are protected by it. If all goes well.
He brushed his hand off on the wher-hide trousers and with an air of decision turned to Flar. Id like to run a few experiments of my own, Weyrleader. Weve tubs and all at the Farmercrafthall …
By all means, Flar grinned with relief. Well cooperate in every way Grubs, Threads on request. But youve solved the one big problem Id foreseen.
Andemon raised his eyebrows in polite query.
Whether or not the grubs were adaptable to northern conditions.
They are, Weyrleader, they are. The Farmer was grimly sardonic.
I shouldnt think that would be the major problem, Flar, Fnor said.
Oh? The quiet syllable was almost a challenge to the brown rider. Fnor hesitated, wondering if Flar had lost confidence in him, despite what Lessa had said earlier.
Ive been watching Master Andemon, and I remember my own reaction to the grubs. Its one thing to say, to know, that these are the answer to Thread. Another quite another to get the average man to accept it. And the average dragonrider.
Andemon nodded agreement and, judging by the expression on the Harpers face, Fnor knew he was not the only one who anticipated resistance.
But Flar began to grin as he settled himself on the edge of the nearest tub.
Thats why I brought Andemon here and explained the project. We need help which only he can give us, once he himself is sure of matters. How long, Masterfarmer, does it take grubs to infest a field?
Andemon dropped his chin to his chest in thought. He shook his head and admitted he couldnt estimate. Once a field showed signs of infestation, the area was seared to prevent spreading.
So, we must find out how long first!
Youll have to wait for next spring, the Farmer reminded him
Why? We can import grubs from Southern.
And put them where? the Harper asked, sardonically.
Flar chuckled. Lemos Hold.
Lemos!
Where else? and Flar looked smug. The forests are the hardest areas to protect. Asgenar and Bendarek are determined to preserve them. Asgenar and Bendarek are both flexible enough to accept such an innovation and carry it through. You, Masterfarmer, have the hardest task. To convince your crafters to leave off killing …