be against all precedent to employ dragon riders to effect his removal,’
S’nan stated flatly.
Everyone turned to the Fort Weyrleader, showing varying degrees of
surprise, disgust, anger or incredulity at such a fatuous statement.
Impeachment is also against all precedent, too, S’nan, M’shall said,
because this is the first time that Clause has been invoked since it
was written two-hundred and fifty-odd years ago. But it’s now a matter
of record. However, I disagree that the dragon riders should bow out.
Fraggit, S’nan, one of the main reasons for getting rid of him is that
he has not helped to prepare his Hold which we are honour bound to
protect. I’ll drag him out of there myself if need be.
Irene beside him nodded vehemently in his support and then glared at
S’nan. Sarai, S’nan’s Weyrwoman, regarded Irene in horrified dismay.
If you don’t grab him first, he’ll just flit out of that warren of a
Hold of his, and who knows what he might do then?” Irene said.
Then she blinked and cocked her head, puzzled.
You know, I don’t know enough about the interior lay-out of Bitra Hold
to know where to find him, much less grab him with all those bodyguards
he has around him. Franco?” What?” The Nerat Lord Holder responded
nervously. I can t tell you what Bitra’s like. I’ve never been in
more than the reception rooms even if Nadona is my sister.” How
curious,’ Bastom remarked.
What will we do when we do get him out?” Franco asked.
Who’s to Hold? Those kids of his are too young.
The uncle, Vergerin . . . Paulin began.
What about a regency til they’re of age?” Azury Suggested, cutting
across the Fort Lord’s beginning.
Or a promising younger son from a well-conducted Hold?” Richud of 1sta
asked, looking about brightly.
We know the Bloodline’s tainted with the gambling addiction,’ put in
Bridgely.
That trait can be remedied by strict discipline and a good education,’
Salda of Telgar said firmly. As the seed is SOW Il so will it ripen.
Vergerin . Paulin said again, raising his voice to be heard above
the various arguments.
Him? He gambled his rights away . . . Sarai of Fort Weyr said at
her most severe.
Chalkin cheated . said M’shall. He did in every high-stake game I
ever heard of.
Irene gave him a very thoughtful stare.
So I heard!” M’shall repeated.
VERGE RING and Paulin roared the word, stunning everyone into silence,
must be considered first, since he is of the Bloodline.
That’s a stipulation of the Charter which I intend to follow to the
letter. He is missing from the property where he had quietly resided
since Chalkin took Hold.
Missing?” Chalkin do it?” Where? Why?” Vergerin would have had
training from his brother in Hold management,’ Paulin continued, and I
believe that the records state that Kinver was a capable and fair Lord
Holder.” He gambled, too,’ Irene remarked in an undertone.
But he didn’t cheat,’ M’shall said, giving his Weyrmate a stern look.
We all adhere, do we not,’ Paulin went on, to the Charter Inheritance
Clause which stipulates that a member of the Bloodline must be
considered first? Now, if Vergerin is available .
And willing M’shall added.
And able,’ G’don of the High Reaches Weyr amended in a firm voice.
Able and willing,’ Paulin echoed, we would then be following the
Charter – We’ve set one precedent today,’ Bastom said. Why not give
Bitra a break and put in someone trained and competent?
Especially since there’s so much to be done to get that Hold cleared for
the spring action.” Good point. How about a team? Give some young,
eager scions some practice in day-to-day management?” Tashvi suggested.
All those with younger sons and daughters available for the job, raise
your hands,’ said M’shall, not quite as facetiously as he sounded.
No, you have to replace Chalkin with a member of the Bloodline,’ S’nan
said loudly, pounding the table with both fists.
Then it has to be Vergerin.
If we can find him ORDER! ORDER!” and Paulin banged his gavel
forcefully until silence prevailed. There! Now, we can think again.
First, we must remove Chalkin What good does that do if we’ve no-one to