The boys had only a few seconds to stare at the brightly lit wonders on the other side of the threshold before the inert gas with which the room had been flooded rushed out to overcome them. But the light remained a beacon to guide the searchers.
I had the entire Hold mustered this morning, only to find him in the bowels of the Hold itself where a rockfall had barred his way, Lytol said to Lessa as he watched the boys running toward the Lower Cavern.
Youve forgotten your own boyhood then, Flar laughed, gesturing courteously for Lytol to proceed him to the weyr. Or didnt you explore the back corridors as a weyrling?
Lytol scowled and then gave a snort, but he didnt smile. It was one thing for me. I wasnt heir to the Hold.
But, Lytol, heir to the Hold or not, Lessa said, taking the mans arm, Jaxoms a boy, like any other. No, now please, I am not criticizing. Hes a fine lad, well grown. You may be proud of him.
Carries himself like a Lord, too, Flar ventured to say.
I do my best.
And your best is very well indeed, Lessa said enthusiastically. Why, hes grown so since the last time I saw him!
But the tic started in Lytols cheek and Lessa fumed, wondering what Mardra had been complaining about in the boy lately. That woman had better stop interfering … Lessa caught herself, grimly reminded that she could be accused of interfering right now, having invited Jaxom here on a visit. When Mardra heard that Lytol had been to Benden Weyr …
Im glad you think so, Lytol replied, confirming Lessas suspicions.
Harper Robinton rose to greet Lytol, and the Mastersmith Fandarels face broke into the almost feral expression that passed as his smile. While Flar seated them, Lessa poured wine.
The new train is in, Robinton, but not settled enough to serve, she said, grinning down at him. It was a private joke that Robinton visited Benden more for the wine than for companionship or business. Youll have to make do with last years tithe.
Benden wine is always acceptable to me, Robinton replied suavely, using the compliment as an excuse to take a sip.
I appreciate your coming, gentlemen, Flar began, taking charge of the meeting. And I apologize for taking you from your business at such short notice, but I …
Always glad to come to Benden, Robinton murmured, his eyes twinkling as he tipped his cup again.
I have news for you so I was glad of this opportunity, Fandarel rumbled.
And I, Lytol said in a dark voice, the tic moving agitatedly.
My news is very serious and I need to know your reactions. There has been premature Threadfall … Flar began.
Threadfalls, Robinton corrected him with no vestige of his previous levity. The drumroll brought me the news from Tillek and Crom Holds.
I wish Id as reliable messengers, Flar said bitterly, gritting his teeth. Didnt you question the Weyrs silence, Robinton? He had counted the Harper his friend.
My Craft is weyrbound to Fort, my dear Flar, the Craftmaster replied, an odd smile on his lips, although Weyrleader Tron does not appear to follow custom in keeping the Master Harper advised of auspicious events. I had no immediate, or privy way to bespeak Benden Weyr.
Flar took a deep breath; Robinton confirmed the fact that Tron had not known. Tkul saw fit not to inform the other Weyrleaders of the unscheduled Fall in Tillek Hold.
That doesnt surprise me, the Harper murmured cynically.
We learned only today that Rmar was so badly injured in the Fall at Crom Hold that he couldnt dispatch any messengers.
You mean, that numbwitted Weyrwoman Bedella forgot to, Lessa interjected.
Flar nodded and went on. The first Benden knew of this was when Thread fell in Lemos northeast, midmorning, when the table indicated southwest and evening. Because I always send a rider on ahead to act as messenger for any last moment problems, we were able to reach Lemos before the leading Edge.
Robinton whistled with appreciation.
You mean, the timetables are wrong? Lytol exclaimed. All the color had drained from his swarthy face at the news. I thought that rumor had to be false.