Fnor heard Brekkes sharp intake of breath, saw Tbors sudden twitch of surprise.
She didnt change Thread patterns. No one knows why that happened, Tbor said gloomily.
How what happened? Fnor stood, pushing aside Brekkes hands.
You heard that Thread is dropping out of pattern?
No, I didnt hear, and Fnor looked from Tbor to Brekke who managed to be very busy with her medicaments.
There wasnt anything you could do about it, Fnor, she said calmly, and as you were still feverish when the news came …
Tbor snorted, his eyes glittering as if he enjoyed Fnors discomposure. Not that Flars precious Thread patterns ever included us here in the Southern continent. Who cares what happens in this part of the world? With that, Tbor strode out of the Weyr. When Fnor would have followed, Brekke grabbed his arm.
No, Fnor, dont press him. Please?
He looked down at Brekkes worried face, saw the deep concern in her expressive eyes. Was that the way of it? Brekke fond of Tbor? A shame she had to waste affection on someone so totally committed to a clutching female like Kylara.
Now, be kind enough to give me the news about that change in Thread pattern. My arm was wounded, not my head.
Without acknowledging his rebuke, she told him what had occurred at Benden Weyr when Thread had fallen hours too soon over Lemos Holds wide forests. Fnor was disturbed to learn that Rmart of Telgar Weyr had been badly scored. He was not surprised that Tkul of High Reaches Weyr hadnt even bothered to inform his contemporaries of the unexpected falls over his weyrbound territories. But he had to agree that he would have worried had he known. He was worried now but it sounded as if Flar was coping with his usual ingenuity. At least the Oldtimers had been roused. Took Thread to do it.
I dont understand Tbors remark about our not caring what happens in this part of the world …
Brekke put her hand on his arm appealingly. Its not easy to live with Kylara, particularly when it amounts to exile.
Dont I just know it! Fnor had had his run-ins with Kylara when she was still at Benden Weyr and, like many other riders, had been relieved when shed been made Weyrwoman at Southern. The only problem with convalescing here in Southern, however, was her proximity. For Fnors peace, her interest in Meron of Nabol couldnt have been more fortunate.
You can see how much Tbor has made out of Southern Weyr in the Turns hes been Weyrleader here, Brekke went on.
Fnor nodded, honestly impressed. Did he ever complete the exploration of the southern continent? He couldnt recall any report on the matter coming in to Benden Weyr.
I dont think so. The deserts to the west are terrible. One or two riders got curious but the winds turned them back. And eastward, theres just ocean. It probably extends right around to the desert. This is the bottom of the earth, you know.
Fnor flexed his bandaged arm.
Now you listen to me, Wingsecond Fnor of Benden, Brekke said sharply, interpreting that gesture accurately. Youre in no condition to go charging back to duty or to go exploring. You havent the stamina of a fledgling and you certainly cant go between. Intense cold is the worst thing for a half-healed wound. Why do you think you were flown here straight?
Why, Brekke, I didnt know you cared, Fnor said, rather pleased at her vehement reaction.
She gave him such a piercingly candid look that his smile faded. As if she regretted that all too intimate glance, she gave him a half-playful push toward the door.
Get out. Take your poor lonely dragon and lie on the beach in the sun. Rest. Cant you hear Canth calling you?
She slipped by him, out the door and was across the clearing before he realized that he hadnt heard Canth.
Brekke?
She turned, hesitantly, at the edge of the woods.
Can you hear other dragons?
Yes. She whirled and was gone.
Of all the Fnor was astounded. Why didnt you tell me? he demanded of Canth as he strode into the sun-baked wallow behind the weyr and stood glaring at his brown dragon.