Lioth brings the Masterfarmer, Ramoth told her rider.
Lessa couldnt imagine why Andemon would be required, nor why Nton would be bringing him. The Masterfarmerhall had its own beast now. She started to rise.
Dyou realize the trouble youve caused, young man? Raid was asking in a stiff voice.
Lessa swung round, torn between two curiosities. It wasnt as if Jaxom were without champions in Asgenar and Larad. But she did wonder how the boy would answer Raid.
Jaxom stood straight, his chin up, his eyes bright. Ruths head was pressed to his thigh as if the dragonet were aware that they stood on trial.
Yes, my good Lord Raid, I am fully aware of the consequences of my actions and there may now be a grave problem facing the other Lord Holders. Without a hint of apology or contrition, Jaxom obliquely reminded Raid that, for all his lack of years, he was a Lord Holder, too.
Old Raid sat straighter, pulling his shoulders back, as if …
Lessa stepped past her chair.
Dont …
The whisper was so soft that at first Lessa thought she was mistaken. Then she saw the Harper looking at her, his eyes as keen as if he were cold sober. And he, the dissembler, probably was, for all that act hed pulled earlier.
Fully aware, are you? Raid echoed, and suddenly launched himself to his feet. The old Lord Holder had lost inches as he gained Turns, his shoulders now rounding slightly, his belly no longer flat and his legs stringy in the tight hide of his trousers. He looked a caricature confronting the slim proud boy. Dyou know youve got to stay at Benden Weyr now youve Impressed a dragon? Dyou realize that Ruathas lordless?
With all due respect, sir, you and the other Lords present do not constitute a Conclave since you are not two-thirds of the resident Holders of Pern, replied Jaxom. If necessary, I should be glad to come before a duly constituted Conclave and plead my case. Its obvious, I think, that Ruth is not a proper dragon. I am given to understand that his chances of maturing are slight. Therefore he is of no use to the Weyr which has no space for the useless. Even old dragons no longer able to chew firestone are retired to Southern Weyr or were. His slight slip disconcerted Jaxom only until he saw Asgenars approving grin. Its wiser to consider Ruth more of an overgrown fire lizard than an undersized dragon. Jaxom smiled with loving apology down at Ruth and caressed the upturned head. It was an action so adult, so beautiful that Lessa felt her throat tightening. My first obligation is to my Blood, to the Hold which cared for me. Ruth and I would be an embarrassment here in Benden Weyr. We can help Ruatha Hold just as the other fire lizards do.
Well said, young Lord of Ruatha, well said, cried Asgenar of Lemos, and his applause started his lizard shrieking.
Larad of Telgar Hold nodded solemnly in accord.
Humph. Shade too flip an answer for me, Raid grumbled. All you youngsters act before you think these days.
Im certainly guilty of that, Lord Raid, Jaxom said candidly. But I had to act fast today to save the life of a dragon. Were taught to honor Dragonkind, I more than most. Jaxom gestured toward Lytol. His hand remained poised and a look of profound sorrow came over his face.
Whether Jaxoms voice had roused him or the position of his head was too uncomfortable was debatable, but the Lord Warder of Ruatha Hold was no longer asleep. He rose gripping the table, then pushing himself away from its support. With slow steps, as if he were forced to concentrate on each movement, Lytol walked the length of the table until he reached his ward. Lytol placed an arm lightly across Jaxoms shoulders. As though he drew strength from that contact, he straightened and turned to Raid of Benden Hold. His expression was proud and his manner more haughty than Lord Groghe at his worst.
Lord Jaxom of Ruatha Hold is not to blame for todays events. As his guardian, I am responsible if it is an offense to save a life. If I chose to stress reverence for Dragonkind in his education, I had good reason!