Of course, it was much more readable when I first studied it four hundred Turns back, before it got so faded. Trons smug manner was hard to take, but he could be managed better so than when he was defensive and suspicious.
But that doesnt tell us how the shift changes, or how long it lasted, Flar said.
There must be other clues, Tron, Lessa suggested, bending seductively toward the Fort Weyrleader when he began to bristle at Flars words. Why would Thread fall out of a pattern theyve followed to the second for seven mortal Turns this Pass? You yourself told me that you followed a certain rhythm in your Time. Did it vary much then?
Tron frowned down at the blurred lines. No, he admitted slowly, and then brought his fist down on the offending scrap. Why have we lost so many techniques? Why have these Records failed us just when we need them most?
Mnementh began to bugle from the ledge, with Fidranth adding his note.
Lessa listened, head cocked.
Dram and Gnarish, she said. I dont think we need expect Tkul, but Rmart is not an arrogant man.
Dram of Ista and Gnarish of Igen Weyrs entered together. Both men were agitated, sparing no time for amenities.
Whats this about premature Threadfall? Dram demanded. Where are Tkul and Rmart? You did send for them, didnt you? Were your wings badly torn up? How much Thread burrowed?
None. We arrived at first Fall. And my wings sustained few casualties, but I appreciate your concern, Dram. Weve sent for the others.
Though Mnementh had given no warning, someone was running down the corridor to the Weyr. Everyone turned, anticipating one of the missing Weyrleaders, but it was a weyrling messenger who came racing in.
My duty, sirs, the boy gasped out, but Rmarts badly hurt and therere so many wounded men and dragons at Telgar Weyr, its an awful sight. And half the Holds of High Crom are said to be charred.
The Weyrleaders were all on their feet.
I must send some help Lessa began, to be halted by the frown on Trons face and Drams odd expression. She gave a small impatient snort. You heard the boy, wounded men and dragons, a Weyr demoralized. Help in time of disaster is not interference. That ancient lay about Weyr autonomy can be carried to ridiculous lengths and this is one of them. Not to help Telgar Weyr, indeed!
Shes right, you know, Gnarish said, and Flar knew the man was one step closer to gaining a modern perspective.
Lessa left the chamber, muttering something about personally flying to Telgar Weyr. The weyrling followed her, dismissed by Flars nod.
Tron found a reference to unpredictable shifts in this old Record Skin, Flar said, seizing control. Dram, do you have any recollections from your studies of Istan Records four hundred Turns ago?
I wish I did, the Istan leader said slowly, then looked toward Gnarish who was shaking his head. Before I came here, I ordered immediate sweepwatches within my Weyrs bounds and I suggest we all do the same.
What we need is a Pern-wide guard, Flar began, carefully choosing his words.
But Tron wasnt deceived and banged the table so hard that he set the crockery jumping. Just waiting for the chance to lodge dragons in Holds and Crafthalls again, huh Flar? Dragonfolk stick together …
The way Tkul and Rmart are doing by not warning the rest of us? asked Dram in such an acid tone that Tron subsided.
Actually, why should dragonfolk weary themselves when there is so much more manpower available in the Holds now? asked Gnarish in a surprised way. He smiled slightly with nervousness when he saw the others staring at him. I mean, the individual Holds could easily supply the watchers well need.
And theyve the means, too, Flar agreed, ignoring Trons surprised exclamation. Its not so very long ago that there were signal fires on every ridge and hill, across the plains, in case Fax began another of his acquisitive marches. In fact, I shouldnt be surprised if most of those beacon fireguards are still in place.
He was faintly amused by the expressions on the three faces. The Oldtimers never had recovered from the utter sacrilege of a Lord attempting to hold more than one territory. Flar had no doubt this prompted such conservatives as Tkul and Tron to impress on the commoners at every opportunity just how dependent they were on dragonfolk; and why they tried to limit and curtail contemporary freedoms and licenses. Let the Holders light fires when Thread masses on the horizon a few strategically placed riders could oversee great areas. Use the weyrlings; thatd keep them out of mischief and give em good practice. Once we know how the Thread falls now, well be able to judge the changes. Flar forced himself to relax, smiling. I dont think this is as serious a matter as it first appears. Particularly if shifts have occurred before. Of course, if we could find some reference to how long the shift lasted, if Thread went back to the original pattern, itd help.