after my fingers freezing, and it’s only a sketch.” She glanced up at
him, nervously and with some other fear lurking in the shadows of her
lovely green eyes.
You should have it, you know, to remind you of Morath at this age.” One
hand crept from behind her back and reached for the sheet.
You’re very good, lantine,’ she murmured and held the sketch by
fingertips as if she was afraid she’d soil it. But I’ve nothing to pay
.
Yes, you have,’ he said quickly with sudden inspiration and gestured
towards the traders still in their group about the table.
You can be a satisfied customer and help me wheedle another pad out of
the traders in return for this drawing of them.
Oh, but… She had shot a quick, frightened glance at the traders and
then, in as rapid a change of mood, gave herself a shake, her free hand
going to her dragon’s head as if seeking reassurance. The dragonet
turned adoring eyes to her and Debera’s eyes briefly unfocused, the way
lantine had noticed in riders who paused to talk to their dragons. She
let out a breath and faced him resolutely. I would be glad to say a
good word for you with Master Jol. He’s by way of being a cousin of my
mother’s.” Is he now?” lantine said with fervour. Then let us see if
kinship is useful in trading.” I can’t, of course, promise anything,’
she said candidly as they moved towards the group. She found it hard to
keep the sketch from fluttering. Oh dear.
Roll it up,’ he suggested. Shall I do it for you?” he added.
No, thank you, I can manage.” And she did, making a much tighter job of
it than he would have done.
The conference was ending as they approached and the participants began
to separate.
Master Jol?” Debera said, her voice cracking slightly and not reaching
very far. Master Jol,’ she repeated, projecting a firmer tone. lantine
wondered if she was afraid the trader wouldn’t recognize her at all.
Is that Debera?” the trader said, peering at her as if he didn’t
believe his eyes. Then a broad smile of recollection covered his face
and he strode rapidly across the distance between them, hands extended.
Debera seemed to shy from such a warm welcome. My dear, I’d heard that
you’d – Impressed a dragon.” lantine put a reassuring hand at her waist
and gave her an imperceptible forward push.
Yes, this is Morath,’ and suddenly her manner became sure and proud.
Dragon and rider exchanged one of those melting looks that lantine found
incredibly touching.
Well, well, my greetings to you, young Morath,’ he said, bowing
formally to the dragonet, whose eyes began to whirl faster.
Debera gave her a reassuring little pat. Master Jo! is my mother’s
cousin,’ she explained to Morath.
Which makes me yours as well, my lass,’ Jo! reminded her.
And very proud to have dragon rider kin. Ah, you’re so like your
mother. Did you know that?” lantine watched as Debera’s expression
turned sad.
Ah, now, I didn’t mean to grieve you, child,’ Jo! said with instant
dismay. And how happy she would be to see you.
he paused and cleared his throat so that lantine knew the trader was
hastily amending what he had started to say, here, a dragon rider And
out of my father’s control,’ Debera finished with droll bitterness. Had
you heard that too, Master Jo!?” Oh, indeed,’ Master Jo! said,
grinning even more broadly, his eyes twinkling with a slight hint of
malice. I was right pleased to hear that, indeed and I was.
Now, what can I do for you? Some Gather clothes, good lined boots –
you’ll have come with little if I know your father.” Such plain speaking
momentarily made Debera uneasy, but her dragonet crowded reassuringly
against her.
The Weyr has furnished me with everything I need, Master Jo! .
. . she replied with quiet dignity.
Master? Am I not cousin to you, young woman?” Jo! asked with mock
severity.
Now her smile returned. Cousin, but I thank you, though I do have a
favour to ask . . And what might that be?” Debera flipped open her