Dont you dare spoil your dinner, you young wher-whelp, cried one of the women, swinging at the retreating pair with her ladle. And a good day to you, Lord Jaxom, she added.
The attitude of the weyrfolk toward himself and Felessan never failed to puzzle Jaxom. Why, Felessan was just as important as a Lord Holder, but he wasnt always being watched, as if he might break apart or melt.
Youre so lucky, Jaxom sighed as he accepted his share of Felessans loot.
Why? the younger boy asked, surprised.
Youre you just are, thats all.
Felessan shrugged, chomping complacently on the sweet root. He led Jaxom out of the Main Cavern and into the inner one, which was actually not much smaller, though the ceiling was lower. A wide, banistered ledge circled the Cavern a half-dragonlength above the floor, giving access to the individual sleeping rooms that ringed the height. The main floor was devoted to other homey tasks. No one was at the looms now, of course, with dinner being prepared, nor was anyone bathing at the large pool to one side of the Cavern, but a group of boys Felessans age were gathered by the miggsy circle. One boy made a loud, meant-to-be-over-heard remark which was fortunately lost in the obedient loud cackles of laughter from the others.
Cmon, Jaxom. Before one of those baby boys wants to tag along, Felessan said.
Where are we going?
Felessan shushed him peremptorily, looking quickly over his shoulder to see if they were being observed. He walked very fast, making Jaxom lengthen his stride to keep up.
Hey, I dont want to get in trouble here, too, he said when he realized they were heading still farther into the caves. It was one thing, according to Jaxoms lexicon, to be adventurous in ones own Hold, but quite another to invade the sanctity of anothers, much less a Weyr! That was close to blasphemy, or so hed been taught by his ex-dragonrider guardian. And while he could weather Lytols wrath, he never, never, never wanted to anger Lessa … or his mind whispered the name Flar!
Trouble? We wont get caught. Everybodys too busy this near dinner. Idve had to help if you hadnt come, and the boy grinned smugly. Cmon!
They had arrived at a fork in the passageway, one leading left, deeper into the Weyr, the other bending right. This one was ill-lit and Jaxom faltered. You didnt waste glows on unused corridors.
Whats the matter? Felessan asked, frowning back at his reluctant guest. Youre not afraid, are you?
Afraid? Jaxom quickly stepped to Felessans side. Its not a question of fear.
Cmon then. And be quiet.
Why? Jaxom had already lowered his voice.
Youll see. Only be quiet now, huh? And take this.
From a hidey-hole, Felessan handed Jaxom a half-shielded basket with one feebly gleaming glow. He had another for himself. Whatever objections Jaxom might have had were stilled by the challenge in the younger boys eyes. He turned haughtily and led the way down the shadowy corridor. He was somewhat reassured by the footprints in the dust, all leading the same way. But this hall was not frequented by adults. All the footprints were smallish, not a bootheel among em. Where did it lead?
They passed locked, covered doorways, long unused and scary in the flickering light of the dim glows. Why couldnt Felessan have stolen some new ones while he was about it? These wouldnt last too long. Jaxom earnestly wanted to know how far they were going. He had no liking for a trip through back halls and dangerous corridors without full illumination to aid his vision and reduce his imagination. But he couldnt ask. What could there possibly be this far back in the Weyr? A huge rectangle of absolute black rose on his left and he swallowed against terror, as Felessan marched purposefully past it, his weak glow back-lighting the threatening maw into another innocently empty corridor junction.
Hurry up, Felessan said, sharply.
Why? Jaxom was pleased with the steady, casual tone he managed.
Because she always goes to the lake about this time of day and its the only chance youll ever get.