Flar inhaled sharply, gritting his teeth. Tkul of the High Reaches was a taciturn, cynical, tired man. However justified Kylaras actions were, her methods lacked diplomacy. And she was contemporary weyrfolk. Oh, well, Tkul was a lost cause anyhow. Flar glanced obliquely at Dram and Gnarish, to see what effect Tkuls behavior had on them. Surely now … They looked strained.
Youre a good Weyrwoman, Kylara, and you did well. Very well, Flar said with such conviction that she began to preen and her smile was a smirk of self-satisfaction. Then she stared at him.
Well, what are you going to do about Tkul? We cant permit him to endanger the world with that Oldtime attitude of his.
Flar waited, half-hoping that Dram might speak up. If just one of the Oldtimers …
It seems that the Dragonriders had better call a conclave too, he said at length, aware of the tapping of Kylaras foot and the eyes on him. Tron of Fort Weyr must hear of this. And perhaps wed all better go on to Telgar Weyr for Rmarts opinion.
Opinion? demanded Kylara, infuriated by this apparent evasion. You ought to ride out of here now, confront Tkul with flagrant negligence and …
And what, Kylara? Flar asked when she broke off.
And well there must be something you can do!
For a situation that had never before arisen? Flar looked at Dram and Gnarish.
Youve got to do something, she insisted, swinging toward the other men.
The Weyrs are traditionally autonomous …
A fine excuse to hide behind, Dram …
There can be no hiding now, Dram went on, his voice rough, his expression bleak. Something will have to be done. By all of us. When Tron comes.
More temporizing? Flar wondered. Kylara, he said aloud, you mentioned your lizard eating Thread. There was a lot more to be discussed in this matter than Tkuls incredible behavior. And may I inquire how you knew your lizard had returned to Nabol?
Prideth told me. She Hatched there so she returned to Nabol Hold when you frightened her at Southern.
You had her at High Reaches Weyr, though?
No. I told you. I saw Thread over the High Reach Range and went to Tkul. First! Once Id roused the Weyr, I realized that there might have been Thread over Nabol so I went to check.
And told Meron about the premature Threadfall?
Of course.
Then?
I took the lizard back with me. I didnt want to lose her again. When Flar ignored that jibe, she went on. I picked up a flame thrower, so naturally I flew with Merikas wing. Scant thanks I got for my help from that Weyrwoman.
She was telling the truth, Flar realized, for her emotions were very much in evidence.
When my lizard saw Thread falling, she seemed to go mad. I couldnt control her. She flew right at a patch and ate it.
Did you give her firestone? Dram asked, his eyes keen with real interest.
I didnt have any. Besides, I want her to mate, and Kylaras smile had a very odd twist to it as she stroked the lizards back. Shell burrow, too, she added, extolling her creatures abilities. A ground crewman said hed seen her enter one. Of course I didnt know that until later.
Is the High Reaches Hold clear of Thread now?
Kylara shrugged indifferently. If they arent, youll hear.
How long did Threadfall continue after you saw it? Were you able to determine the leading Edge when you flew over to Nabol?
It lasted about three hours. Under, Id say. That is, from the time the wings finally got there. She gave a condescending smile. As to the leading Edge, Id say it must have been high up in the Range, and she dared them to dispute it, hurrying on when no one did. Itd fall on bare rock and snow there. I did sweep the Nabol side but Prideth saw no sign.
You did extremely well, Kylara, and we are exceedingly grateful to you, Flar said, and the other Leaders endorsed his commendation so firmly that Kylara smiled expansively, turning from one man to another, her eyes glittering with self-appreciation.