again. But I will go personally to see both Jamson and Azury;
especially since Chalkin has used such extreme measures. I’m
hard-pressed to see the reason for them.” M’shall shrugged. Fort
holders have every reason to trust you, Paulin. Bitrans never have had
any with Chalkin holding.
What I’d like to do is haul the indecisive like Jamson and Azury – and
show them what’s happening at Bitra. They probably think we’ve
exaggerated the situation.
Exaggerated?” M’shall was indignant, and it was as well the cup was
empty of soup when he planted it hard on the table. Sorry.
What’s wrong with them?” They wouldn’t behave in such a manner. lt’s
hard for them to believe another Lord Holder would.” Well,’ and M’shall
nearly growled, he would and he has.
There was a more circumspect knock on the door which Matt opened,
showing in K’vin.
I just heard about the border trouble, M’shall. Zulaya had Meranath
bespeak Maruth, so Charanth and 1 thought to catch you here,’ the young
Weyrleader said, his expression as grim as Benden’s.
So he’s blocked the western borders as well?” K’vin nodded.
Telgar has no grounds to object to his closing his borders, but he’s
deliberately killing people, turfing them out in this weather. I can’t
. . . and won’t . . . permit people to be treated like that.” He
fixed an expectant stare on Paulin.
M’shall and I have been discussing the intolerable situation.
I’ve already polled the Lord Holders with a view to taking immediate
action. The response was not unanimous so even as Council Chair, there
is little I can do – officially, that is. But, as M’shall pointed out,
the Weyr has certain responsibilities to protect people. By stretching
a point, you could say they’re Thread-lost,’ and Paulin’s smile was wry,
escaping a Hold which is unprepared. So the Weyrs can move where the
Council Chair may not.
That’s all I need to know!” K’vin slapped his riding gloves against his
thigh to emphasize his approval.
Of course,’ and Paulin held up one hand in restraint, you must be
careful not to give Chalkin due cause to cite an infringement against
Hold autonomy.
Not if that includes deliberate mistreatment of people he’s already
misled,’ said K’vin, his voice rising in alarm.
This is not the time to jeopardize the neutrality of the Weyrs, you
know,’ Paulin said, looking from one to the other.
Thread hasn’t started falling yet.
C’mon, Paulin,’ M’shall began in protest.
I’m with you in spirit, but as Council Chair I have to remind you –
above and beyond my private opinion, that we don’t have the right to
interfere in the government of a Hold.” You may not, Paulin,’ K’vin
said. But M’shall and I do.
There’s truth in what you said about Weyrs protecting people from peril.
From Threadfall – Paulin reminded the younger Weyrleader.
From peril,’ K’vin repeated firmly. Freezing to death without shelter
from inclement weather constitutes peril as surely as Threadfall does.
Paulin nodded approvingly. I may even forget that you visited here
this morning.” He grinned. M’shall, you don’t happen to know where
Chalkin’s remaining uncle lives?” I already thought of that and he’s
not there,’ replied M:shall. Place was empty. Too empty. I know
Vergerin was alive and well last autumn.” How do you mean “too empty”?”
Paulin asked, jotting down the uncle’s name.
It had been cleaned out too thoroughly. Not,’ and M’shall held up one
hand to forestall Paulin’s query, as if it had been set to rights after
a man’s death, but as if to prove no-one had been there at all. But
Vergerin had cleared vegetation back from his front court, as every
smart holder should.
Someone had thrown debris all around to disguise the clearance.
Has Chalkin anticipated us?” Paulin asked in a rhetorical question.
Then he looked from one dragon rider to the other.
Rescue those folks before either the weather or Chalkin’s bullies kill
them. And I’d like interviews from them, too, once they’re not afraid
to talk to outsiders.” Just as M’shall had his hand on the door knob,
Paulin added, And not so much as a trickle of flame, please.
That could get magnified out of all proportion.