I dont recall your being over-grateful to Dragonkind either, Asgenar reminded him with pointed malice.
I dont trust grubs! Groghe repeated, jutting his chin out at a belligerent angle. The golden fire lizard on his shoulder crooned softly and rubbed her down-soft head against his cheek. The mans expression softened slightly. Then he recalled himself and glared at Flar. Spent my whole life trusting Dragonkind. Im too old to change. But youre running the planet now. Do as you will. You will anyhow!
He stalked away, toward the waiting brown dragon who was Fort Holds resident messenger. Groghes fire lizard extended her golden wings, crooning as she balanced herself against his jolting strides.
Lord Corman of Keroon fingered his large nose and blew it out briskly. He had a disconcerting habit of unblocking his ears that way. Old fool. Hell use grubs. Hell use them. Just cant get used to the idea that its no good wanting to go to the Red star and blasting Thread on its home ground. Groghes a fighter. Doesnt sit well with him to barricade his Hold, as it were, and wait out the siege. He likes to charge into things, straighten them out his way.
The Weyrs appreciate your help, Lord Corman, Flar began.
Corman snorted, blew out his ears again before waving aside Flars gratitude. Common sense. Protect the ground. Our ancestors were a lot smarter than we are.
I dont know about that, Asgenar said, grinning.
I do, young fellow, Corman retorted decisively. Then added hesitantly, Hows Fnor? And whats his name Canth.
The days when Flar evaded a direct answer were now past. He smiled reassuringly. Hes on his feet. Not much the worse for wear, although Fnor would never lose the scars on the cheek where particles had been forced into the bone. Canths wings are healing, though new membrane grows slowly. He looked like raw meat when they got back, you know. There wasnt a hand-span on his body, except where Fnor had lain, that hadnt been scoured bare. He has the entire Weyr hopping to when he itches and wants to be oiled. Thats a lot of dragon to oil. Flar chuckled as much to reassure Corman who looked uncomfortable hearing a list of Canths injuries as in recollection of the sight of Canth dominating a Weyrs personnel.
Then the beast will fly again.
We believe so. And hell fight Thread, too. With more reason than any of us.
Corman regarded Flar levelly. I can see its going to take Turns and Turns to grub the continent thoroughly. This forest, and he gestured to the plantation of hardwood saplings, my corner on Keroon plains, the one valley in Telgar, used all the grubs its safe to take from Southern this Turn. Ill be dead, long since, before the job is finished. However, when the day comes that all land is protected, what do you dragonmen plan to do?
Flar looked steadily back at the Keroon Holder, then grinned at Asgenar who waited expectantly. The Weyrleader began to laugh softly.
Craft secret, he said, watching Asgenars face fold into disappointment. Cheer up, man, he advised, giving the Lord of Lemos an affectionate clout on the shoulder. Think about it. You ought to know by now what dragons do best.
Mnementh was settling carefully in the small clearing in response to his summons. Flar closed his tunic, preparatory to flying.
Dragons go places better than anything else on Pern, good Lord Holders. Faster, farther. Weve all the southern continent to explore when this Pass is over and men have time to relax again. And therere other planets in our skies to visit.
Shock and horror were mirrored in the faces of the two Lord Holders. Both had had lizards when Fnor and Canth had taken their jump between the planets; theyd known intimately what had happened.
They cant all be as inhospitable as the Red Star, Flar said.
Dragons belong on Pern! Corman said and honked his big nose for emphasis.
Indeed they do, Lord Corman. Be assured that therell always be dragons in the Weyrs of Pern. It is, after all, their home. Flar raised his arm in greeting and farewell and bronze Mnementh lifted him skyward.