It would have helped if Tkul had sent word as you did, Dram muttered.
Well, we all know how Tkul is, Flar said tolerantly.
Hed no right to withhold such vital information from us, Tron said, again pounding the table. Weyrs should stick together.
The Lord Holders arent going to like this, Gnarish remarked, no doubt thinking of Lord Corman of Keroon, the most difficult one of the Holders bound to his Weyr.
Oh, Flar replied with more diffidence than he felt, if we tell them weve expected such a shift at about this time in the Pass …
But but the timetables they have? Theyre not fools, Tron sputtered.
Were the dragonfolk, Tron. What they cant understand, they dont need to know or worry about, Flar replied firmly. Its not their business to demand explanations of us, after all. And theyll get none.
Thats a change of tune, isnt it, Flar? asked Dram.
I never explained myself to them, if youll think back Dram I told them what had to be done and they did it.
They were scared stupid seven Turns ago, Gnarish remarked. Scared enough to welcome us with wide-open arms and goods.
If they want to protect all those forests and croplands, theyll do as we suggest or start charring their profits.
Let Lord Oterel of Tillek or that idiot Lord Sangel of Boll start disputing my orders and Ill fire their forests myself, said Tron, rising.
Then were agreed, said Flar quickly, before the hypocrisy he was practicing overcame him with disgust. We mount watches, aided by the Holders, and we keep track of the new shift. Well soon know how to judge it.
What of Tkul? Gnarish asked.
Dram looked squarely at Tron. Well explain the situation to him.
He respects you two, Flar agreed. It might be wiser, though, not to suggest we knew about …
We can handle Tkul, without your advice, Flar, Dram cut him off abruptly, and Flar knew that the momentary harmony between them was at an end. The Oldtimers were closing ranks against the crime of their contemporary, just as they had at that abortive meeting a few nights ago. He could console himself with the fact that they hadnt been able to escape all the implications of this incident.
Lessa came back into the weyr just then, her face flushed, her eyes exceedingly bright. Even Dram bowed low to her in making his farewells.
Dont leave, Dram, Tron. Ive good word from Telgar Weyr, she cried, but catching Flars glance, did not try to keep them when they demurred.
Rmarts all right? Gnarish asked, trying to smooth over the awkwardness.
Lessa recovered herself with a smile for the Igen leader.
Oh that messenger hes only a boy he exaggerated. Ramoth bespoke Solth the senior queen at Telgar Weyr. Rmart is badly scored, yes. Bedella evidently overdosed him with numbweed powder. She hadnt the wit to send word to anyone. And the Wingsecond assumed that wed all been informed because hed heard Rmart telling Bedella to send messengers, never dreaming she hadnt. When Rmart passed out, she forgot everything. Lessas shrug indicated her low opinion of Bedella. The Wingsecond says hed be grateful for your advice.
Hages is Wingsecond at Telgar Weyr, Gnarish said. A sound enough rider but hes got no initiative. Say, youre Thread-bared yourself, Flar.
Its nothing.
Its bleeding, Lessa contradicted. And you havent eaten a thing.
Ill stop at Telgar Weyr, Flar, and talk to Hages, Gnarish said.
Id like to come with you, Gnarish, if youve no objections …
Ive objections, Lessa put in. Gnarishs capable of ascertaining the extent of the Fall there and can relay the information to us. Ill see him to the ledge while you start eating. Lessa was so didactic that Gnarish chuckled. She tucked her arm in his and started toward the corridor. Ive not made my duty to Gyarmath, she said, smiling sweetly up at Gnarish, and hes a favorite of mine, you know.
She was flirting so outrageously that Flar wondered that Ramoth wasnt roaring protest. As if Gyarmath could ever catch Ramoth in night! Then he heard Mnemenths rumble of humor and was reassured.