He may be willing to risk his neck, my dear Lessa, but is Mnementh willing?
Lessa flashed Fnor a look of pure dislike. And put the notion in the poor beasts head that this is what Flar wants? I could throttle Robinton. Him and his three-day salvation! Flar cant stop thinking about that. But Flar is not the one to go and she broke off, biting her lip, her eyes sliding toward Brekke.
I understand, Lessa, Brekke said very slowly, her eyes unwinking as she held Lessas. Yes, I understand you.
Fnor began to massage his right shoulder. He must have been between too much lately.
Never mind, Lessa said suddenly, with unusual force. Im just overwrought with all this uncertainty. Forget what I said. Im only imagining things. Im as tired as as we all are
Youre right there, Lessa, Fnor agreed. Were all seeing problems which dont exist. After all, no Lord Holder has come to Benden Weyr and thrown down any ultimatum. What could they do? Flar certainly has been forthright, explained the project of grub protection so often Ill be ill if I have to listen to it once more. Certainly hes been open with the other Weyrleaders, the Craftmasters, being sure that everyone knows exactly what the over-all plan is. Nothing will go wrong this time. This is one Craft secret that wont get lost because someone cant read a Record skin!
Lessa rose, her body taut. She licked her lips. I think, she said in a low voice, thats what scares me most. Hes taking such precautions to be sure everyone knows. Just in case …
She broke off and rushed out of the Weyr.
Fnor stared after her. That interpretation of Flars overtness began to assume frightening significance. Disturbed, he turned to Brekke, surprised to see tears in the girls eyes. He took her in his arms.
Look, Ill get some rest, well eat, and then Ill go to Fort Weyr. See Meron myself. Better still, and he hugged her reassuringly, Ill bring Grall along. Shes the oldest weve got. Ill see if shed take the trip. If any of the fire lizards would go, shed be the one. There now! Hows that for a good idea? She clung to him, kissing him so urgently that he forgot Lessas disturbing idea, forgot he was hungry and tired, and responded with eager surprise to her ardent demands.
Grall hadnt wanted to leave Berd where the bronze fire lizard was cuddled on the cushion by Brekkes head. But then, Fnor didnt much want to leave Brekke. Shed reminded him, after theyd loved each other deeply, that they had obligations. If Lessa had been worried enough about Flar to confide in Brekke and Fnor, she was more deeply concerned than shed admit. Brekke and Fnor must assume such responsibility as they could.
Brekke was a great one for assuming responsibility, Fnor thought with affectionate tolerance as he roused Canth. Well, it wouldnt take long to check on Meron. Or to see if Grall would consider going to the Red Star. That certainly was a better alternative than Flar making the trip. If the little queen lizard would consider it.
Canth was in high good humor as they wheeled first above Benden Weyr, then burst out of between above Fort Weyrs Star Stones. There were glows along the crown of the Weyr rim and, beyond the Star Stones, the silhouettes of several dragons.
Canth and Fnor of Benden Weyr, the brown dragon announced in answer to the watchriders query. Lioth is here and the green dragon who must stay at Nabol, Canth added as he backwinged to a light landing. Grall swooped above Fnors head, waiting until Canth had taken off to join the other beasts before she took her shoulder perch.
Nton stepped out of the shadows, his welcoming grin distorted by the path glows. He jerked his head back, toward the distance-viewer.
Hes here and his lizards in a fine state. Glad you came. I was about to ask Lioth to bespeak Canth.
The bronze Nabol lizard began to screech with a distress which Grall echoed nervously. Her wings extended. Fnor stroked them down to her back, emitting the human version of a lizard croon which usually calmed her. She tightened her wings but started to hop from one foot to the other, he eyes whirling restlessly.