There was the added disadvantage that Chalkin’s folk seemed generally
dispirited anyhow – though that should not be used as an excuse for
denying them news of the impending problem.
And who would succeed to the Hold? A consideration that was certainly
fraught with problems.
In his response, Bastom had made a good suggestion: the appointment of a
deputy or regent right away until one of Chalkin’s sons came of age –
sons who would be specifically, and firmly, trained to Hold properly.
Not that the new Holder had to be of the Bloodline, but following the
precepts of inheritance outlined in the Charter would pacify the nervous
Lords. To Paulin’s way of thinking, competence should always be the
prime decider in succession, and that was n)t always passed on in the
genes of Bloodlines.
For that matter, Paulin’s eldest nephew had shown a sure grasp of hold
management. Sidny was a hard worker, a fair man, and a good judge of
character and ability. Paulin was half tempted to recommend him for
Fort’s leadership when he was gone. He had a few reservations about his
son, Mattew, but Paulin knew that he tended to be more critical of his
own Blood than others were.
He would definitely suggest Bastom’s idea to the Council: good practice
for younger folk to have actual hands-on experience in running a Hold.
Considering the state Bitra Hold was in, a team would be required. Such
an expedient would certainly reduce the cry of nepotism’, and give
young men and women a chance to display initiative and ability.
When the last of the replies came in, Paulin gave the young green rider
a message for M’shall at Benden Weyr on the result of the polling. The
Weyrleader was sure to be as disappointed as he was. He tried to
convince himself that they could still get Bitra Hold right and tight in
time for Threadfall.
But the sooner it was done, the better. He hoped M’shall could get back
to him about locating the Bitran uncle, and whether he was competent to
take Hold. Otherwise a Search must be made of legitimate heirs to – –
Fraggital!,’ Paulin muttered, pushing back from his desk and sighing
deeply in frustration. One could no longer do a quick search on the
Bloodline Program for a comprehensive genealogy. Surely that was one
program Clisser had printed out, and copied. Well, we’ll need a copy
of whatever form that program’s in,’ he told himself, sighing again. To
cheer himself up, he reviewed the progress report from the new mine.
They wanted permission to call the hold CROM, an acronym of the
founders: Chester, Ricard, Otty and Minerva.
Paulin didn’t see a problem with that but, as a matter of form
especially right now – the request should first be presented to the
Council. During the Interval so many procedures had been relaxed and
the leniency was now coming back to plague them, as in the case of
Chalkin becoming Lord Holder. At least Paulin was consoled by the
knowledge that it was his father, the late Lord Emilin, who had voted
Fort on that score.
That evidence of bad judgment wasn’t Paulin’s error even if it was now
up to him to rectify the situation.
There was an abrupt rapping of knuckles on his door and before he could
respond, it swung open: the Benden Weyrleader, M’shall, brushed past
Mattew to enter.
We’ve got to do something NOW, Paulin,’ the Weyrleader said, his
expression grim as he hauled off his riding gauntlets and opened up his
jacket.
You got my message quickly enough . . . Bring klah, Matt,’ Paulin
asked, gesturing for his son to be quick.
M’shall’s face looked pinched with the cold of between and more.
I got it. And that’s not the end of it. There’s rough weather in
Bitra and people freezing to death because they will not leave the
border,’ M’shall announced.
Will not? Or cannot?” More cannot than will not. Though Chalkin sent
down orders that none of the “ungrateful dissenters” could expect to
reclaim their holdings – – – punishment for defying him. .
V-“-‘
irrespective of the fact that he’s putting their lives at risk by his