I, too, Robinton said in farewell, as he slid down the dragons shoulder. My thanks to you, Lioth, for a smooth journey.
The Harper has only to ask.
Startled, Robinton glanced up at Nton, but the young mans head was turned toward a party of brightly garbed young women who were walking up from the pasture.
Robinton looked at Lioth, whose opalescent eye gleamed at him an instant. Then the dragon spread his great wings. Hastily Robinton backed away, still not positive hed heard the dragon. Yet there was no other explanation. Well, this day was certainly unfolding surprises!
Sir? inquired Brudegan respectfully.
Ah, yes, lads. He grinned at them. Talmor had never flown and the boy was a bit glassy in the eye. Brudegan, you know the hall. Take them to the Harpers room so theyll know their way. And take my instrument, too. Ill not need it until the banquet. Then, lads, youre to mingle, play, talk, listen. You know the ditties Ive been rehearsing. Use them.
Youve heard the drum messages. Utilize them. Brudegan, take Sebell with you, its his first public performance. No, Sebell, youd not be with us today if Id no faith in your abilities. Talmor, watch that temper of yours. Tagetarl, wait until after the banquet to charm the girls. Remember, youll be a full Harper too soon to jeopardize a good Holding. All of you, mind the distilled wines.
He left them so advised and went up the busy ramp into the Great Court, smiling and bowing to those he knew among the many Holders, Craftsmen and ladies passing to and fro.
Larad, Lord of Telgar Hold, resplendent in dark yellow, and the bridegroom Asgenar, Lord of Lemos, in a brilliant midnight blue, stood by the great metal doors to the Holds Main Hall. The women of Telgar were in white with the exception of Larads half-sister, Famira, the bride. Her blond hair streamed to the hem of her traditional wedding dress of graduated shades of red.
Robinton stood for a moment to one side of the gate into the Court, slightly in the shadow of the right-hand tower, scanning the guests already making small groups around the decorated Courtyard. He spotted the Masterherdsman, Sograny, near the stable. The man oughtnt to look as if he smelled something distasteful. Probably not the vicinity, but his neighbors. Sograny disapproved of wasting time. Masterweaver Zurg and his nimble wife moved constantly from group to group. Robinton wondered if they were inspecting fabric and fit. Hard to tell, for Weaver Zurg and spouse nodded and beamed at everyone with good-natured impartiality.
Masterminer Nigot was deep in talk with Mastertanner Belesden and the Masterfarmer Andemon, while their women formed a close conversation knot to one side. Lord Corman of Keroon was apparently lecturing the nine young men ringing him: sons, foster and blood undoubtedly, since most of them bore the old mans nosy signature. They must be recently arrived for, at a signal from him, the boys all smartly turned on their heels and followed their parent, right up to the steps. Lord Raid of Benden was talking to his host and, seeing Corman approach, bowed and stepped away. Lord Sifer of Bitra gestured for Lord Raid to join him and a group of minor Holders conversing near the watchtower steps. Of the other Lord Holders, Groghe of Fort, Sangel of Boll, Meron of Nabol, Nessel of Crom, Robinton saw nothing. Dragons trumpeted on high and a half wing of them began to spiral down to the wide field where Robinton had landed.
Bronzes, blues ah, and five golden queens came to rest briefly. Discharging their passengers, most of them leaped skyward again, toward the fire ridges above the Hold.
Robinton made his way hastily to his host then, before the newest arrivals swarmed up the ramp to the Great Court.
There was a hearty cheerfulness about Lord Larads greeting that masked a deep inner anxiety. His eyes, blue and candid, restlessly scanned the Court. The Lord of Telgar was a handsome man though there was scant resemblance between him and his only full sibling, Kylara. Evidently it was Kylara who had inherited their sires appetites. Just as well.