So many things were coming back to their starting point: from fire lizards to dragons, a circle encompassing who knows how many thousands of Turns, to the inner circle of the Old Weyrs and Bendens resurgence.
He hoped Tron would live; hed enough on his conscience. Though it might be better if Tron … He refused to consider that, in spite of the fact that he knew it would avoid another problem. And yet, if Thread could fall in Southern to be eaten by those grubs …
He wanted very much to see that distance-viewer Tron had discovered. He groaned with a mental distress. Fandarel! How could he face him? That distance-writer had worked. It had relayed a very crucial message faster than dragon wings! No fault of the Smiths that his finely extruded wire could be severed by hot Thread. Undoubtedly he would overcome that flaw in an efficient way unless hed thrown up his hands at the idea, what with being presented with a powerful, fully operative distance-viewer to compound the days insults. Of all the problems undoubtedly awaiting him, he dreaded Fandarels reproach the most.
Below, Dragonriders streamed into the Court illumined by hundreds of glow baskets, to be met and absorbed into the throng of guests. The aroma of roasted meats and succulent vegetables drifted to him on the night air, reminding him that hunger depresses any mans spirits. He could hear laughter, shouts, music. Lord Asgenars wedding day would never be forgotten!
That Asgenar! Allied to Larad, a fosterling of Cormans, hed be of enormous assistance in executing what Flar saw must be done among the Holder Lords.
Then he spotted the tiny figure in the gateway. Lessa! He told Mnementh to land.
About time, the bronze grumbled.
Flar slapped his neck affectionately. The beast had known perfectly well why theyd been hovering. A man needed a few minutes to digest chaos and restore order to his thinking before he plunged into more confusions.
Mnementh agreed as he landed smoothly. He craned his neck around, his great eyes gleaming affectionately at his rider.
Dont worry about me, Mnementh! Flar murmured in gratitude and love, stroking the soft muzzle. There was a faint odor of firestone and smoke though theyd done little flaming. Are you hungry?
Not yet. Telgar feeds enough tonight. Mnementh launched himself toward the fire ridge above the Hold, where the perching dragons made black, regular crags against the darkening sky, their jeweled eyes gleaming down on the festal activities.
Flar laughed aloud at Mnemenths consideration. It was true that Lord Larad was stinting nothing, though his guest list had multiplied four-fold. Supplies had been flown in but Telgar Hold bore the brunt of it.
Lessa approached him with such slow steps that he wondered if something else had happened. He couldnt see her face in the shadow but as she slipped into step beside him, he realized that shed been respecting his mood. Her hand reached up to caress his cheek, lingering on the healing Thread score. She wouldnt let him bend to kiss her.
Come, love, Ive fresh clothes and bandages for you.
Mnemenths been telling on me?
She nodded, still unusually subdued for Lessa.
Whats wrong?
Nothing, she assured him hastily, smiling. Ramoth said you were thinking hard.
He squeezed her and the gesture pulled the muscles, making him wince.
Youre a trial to me, she said with mock exasperation and led him into the tower room.
Kylara came back, didnt she?
Oh, yes, and there was an edge to Lessas voice as she added, she and Meron are as inseparable as their lizards.
Shed had a standing tub brought in, the water steaming invitingly. She insisted on bathing him while she reported what had happened while hed fought Thread. He didnt argue, it was too pleasant to relax under her ministrations, though her gentle hands sometimes reminded him of other occasions and …
Tron had been taken directly to Southern, swathed in heavy felt. Mardra had contested Flars authority to exile them but her protests fell on the deaf and determined front of Robinton, Larad, Fandarel, Lords Sangel and Groghe. Theyd all accompanied Lessa and Kylara when Mardra was escorted back to Fort. Mardra had been certain shed only to appeal to her weyrfolk to ensure her position as Weyrwoman. When she discovered that her arrogance and shrewishness had robbed her of all but a few adherents, shed retired meekly to Southern with them.