See, youve made her uneasy and shes so near mating again.
Tbor looked dangerously close to an outburst which, as Weyrleader, he could not risk. Kylaras tactic was so obvious that Flar wondered how the man could fall for it. Would it improve matters to have Tbor supplanted by one of the other bronze riders here? Flar considered, as he had before, throwing Prideths next mating flight into open competition. And yet, he owed Tbor too much for coping with this this female to insult him by such a measure. On the other hand, maybe one of the more vigorous Oldtime bronzes with a rider just sufficiently detached from Kylaras ploys, and interested enough in retaining a Leadership, might keep her firmly in line.
Tbor, the map of this continents in the Weyrhall, isnt it? Flar asked, diverting the man. Id like to set the coordinates of this Fall in my mind. .
Dont you like my queen? Kylara asked, stepping forward and raising the lizard right under Flars nose.
The little creature, unbalanced by the sudden movement, dug her razor-sharp claws into Kylaras arm, piercing the wher-hide as easily as Thread pierced leaf. With a yelp, Kylara shook her arm, dislodging the fire lizard. In midfall the creature disappeared. Kylaras cry of pain changed to a shriek of anger.
Look what youve done, you fool. Youve lost her.
Not I, Kylara, Flar replied in a hard, cold voice. Take good care you do not push others to their limit!
Ive limits, too, Flar of Benden, she screamed as the two men strode quickly toward the Weyrhall. Dont push me. Dyou hear? Dont push me! She kept up her curses until Prideth, now highly agitated, drowned her out with piteous cries.
At first the two Weyrleaders went through the motions of studying the map and trying to figure out where Thread might have fallen elsewhere undetected on the Southern continent. Then Prideths complaints died away and the clearing was vacant.
It comes down to manpower again, Tbor,- Flar said. There ought to be a thorough search of this continent. Oh, Im aware, and he held up his hand to forestall a defensive rebuttal, that you simply dont have the personnel to help, even with the influx of holderfolk from the mainland. But Thread can cross mountains, he tapped the southern chain, and we dont know whats been happening in these uncharted areas. Weve assumed that Threadfall occurred only in this coastline portion. Once established though, a single burrow could eat its way across any land mass and He made a slashing movement of both hands. Id give a lot to know how Thread could fall unnoticed in those swamps for two hours and leave no trace of a burrow!
Tbor grunted agreement but Flar sensed that his mind was not on this problem.
Youve had more than your share of grief with that woman, Tbor. Why not throw the next flight open?
No! And Orth echoed that vehement refusal with a roar.
Flar looked at Tbor in amazement.
No, Flar. Ill keep her in hand. Ill keep myself in hand, too. But as only as Orth can fly Prideth, Kylaras mine.
Flar looked quickly away from the torment in the others face.
And youd better know this, too, Tbor continued in a heavy low voice. She found a full clutch. She took them to a Hold. Prideth told Orth.
Which Hold?
Tbor shook his head wearily. Prideth doesnt like it so she doesnt name it. She doesnt like taking fire lizards away from the weyrs either.
Flar brushed his forelock back from his eyes in an irritated movement. This was the most unhealthy development. A dragon displeased with her rider? The one restraint they had all counted on was Kylaras bond with Prideth. The woman wouldnt be fool enough, wanton enough, perverted enough to strain that, too, in her egocentric selfishness.
Prideth will not hear me, Mnementh said suddenly. She will not hear Orth. She is unhappy. That isnt good.
Threads falling unexpectedly, fire lizards in Holder hands, a dragon displeased with her rider and another anticipating his riders questions! And Flar had thought hed had problems seven Turns ago!